Preoperative prediction of need for fundoplication before gastrostomy tube placement in children

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement is a common procedure performed for children with oral aspiration and failure to thrive. The concurrent presence of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) may be difficult to diagnose in these children and may dictate the need for an antireflux procedure. The purpose of this study was to review our preoperative evaluation of children undergoing PEG placement to better elucidate preoperative factors that may require eventual fundoplication.

A retrospective review at a tertiary care, children's hospital between May 2002 and August 2007 was performed of patients undergoing PEG placement. Patients were identified through database search by operative procedure codes. Patient groups were defined as those undergoing PEG alone (group 1) and those requiring fundoplication after prior PEG (group 2). Comparison of patient demographics and radiologic qualitative results of GER was analyzed using chi(2) analysis, with significance determined at P < .05.

A total of 863 patients underwent PEG placement over this 64-month period. A sampled cohort of patients undergoing PEG over a year comprised group 1. Forty-four patients (5.1%) underwent Nissen fundoplication after prior PEG placement (group 2). Patient demographics were similar between the groups. Comparison of comorbid conditions and qualitative indicators of GER between the groups showed only cerebral palsy had a significantly higher associated risk of GER that required antireflux surgery. Preoperative clinical assessment had a 95% positive predictive value in identifying children who required only PEG.

Despite the high predictive value of individualized clinical assessment in the ultimate decision for gastrostomy without need of fundoplication, further studies are needed to determine whether children with conditions such as cerebral palsy may require a concurrent antireflux surgery at the time of gastrostomy.