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Medical, surgical, and health outcomes of gastrostomy feeding

G M Craig1, L J Carr, H Cass

  • 1Institute of Child Health and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, University College London, UK. gill.craig.1@city.ac.uk

Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology
|April 13, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Gastrostomy surgery in children with disabilities significantly improves growth and health outcomes, including reduced drooling and vomiting. This intervention supports catch-up growth and enhances overall well-being in pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Nutritional Support
  • Child Health Outcomes

Background:

  • Children with disabilities often face challenges with nutrition, growth, and health due to oromotor problems, aspiration, and feeding difficulties.
  • Nasogastric feeding is common in this population, but gastrostomy offers a more sustainable feeding solution.
  • Gastrostomy is a surgical procedure to insert a feeding tube directly into the stomach.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the medical, surgical, and health outcomes of gastrostomy in children with various disabilities.
  • To assess the impact of gastrostomy on anthropometric measures (weight, mid-upper arm circumference, head circumference) and overall health.
  • To provide evidence for the benefits of gastrostomy in improving growth and health in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective controlled study with repeated measures before and after surgery.
  • Inclusion of anthropometric measurements (weight, mid-upper-arm and head circumference) and 5-day food diaries.
  • Recording of physical health and surgical outcomes in 76 children with disabilities.

Main Results:

  • Two-thirds of children achieved significant catch-up growth postoperatively (weight-for-age and mid-upper arm circumference).
  • Gastrostomy led to notable health improvements, including reduced drooling, secretions, vomiting, and constipation.
  • Major surgical complications occurred in 13 out of 74 children, indicating a manageable risk profile.

Conclusions:

  • Gastrostomy is an effective intervention for improving nutritional status and promoting catch-up growth in children with disabilities.
  • The procedure offers significant health benefits, enhancing the quality of life for pediatric patients with complex feeding needs.
  • Gastrostomy should be considered a viable option for managing feeding difficulties and improving outcomes in this vulnerable population.

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