Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026

An Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy Designed to Minimize Anastomotic Complications and Optimize Conduit Function
Published on: April 17, 2020
Gastrostomy complications in infants and children: a comparative study
Robert Thomas Peters1, Bram Balduyck, Shawqui Nour
1Department of Paediatric Surgery, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, LE1 5WW, UK. rtp199@doctors.org.uk
Insights
Laparoscopic-assisted percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) insertion in children is effective, with laparoscopy aiding in avoiding gastrocolic fistulae. This method demonstrates a favorable outcome for pediatric gastrostomy procedures.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Minimally invasive procedures
Background:
- Gastrostomy is a frequent procedure in pediatric care.
- Laparoscopic techniques have become standard for aiding gastrostomy insertion.
- This study evaluates laparoscopic-assisted gastrostomy outcomes in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the outcomes and complications associated with laparoscopic-assisted gastrostomy insertion in pediatric patients.
- To compare the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic-assisted gastrostomy versus standard percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of pediatric cases undergoing gastrostomy insertion by a single surgeon between 1999 and 2007.
- Analysis of patient demographics, procedure type (laparoscopic-assisted PEG vs. standard PEG), and follow-up data.
- Documentation of all observed complications.
Main Results:
- 114 children underwent gastrostomy; 86% had laparoscopic-assisted PEG.
- Complications included gastro-oesophageal reflux (16), infection (9), and granulation tissue (11).
- Two gastrocolic fistulae occurred in the standard PEG group, but none in the laparoscopic-assisted group.
Conclusions:
- Laparoscopic assistance in percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) insertion effectively prevents gastrocolic fistula formation in children.
- Laparoscopic-assisted gastrostomy is a safe and effective method for pediatric gastrostomy placement.
Purpose:
Gastrostomy is a commonly undertaken procedure in children. Methods for gastrostomy insertion have evolved and laparoscopy is commonly used to aid its insertion. The aim of this study is to review the outcome and complications of laparoscopic-assisted gastrostomy insertion.
Methods:
A retrospective case note review of children undergoing gastrostomy insertion by a single surgeon from 1999 to 2007.
Results:
114 children underwent gastrostomy insertion, 68 males and 46 females, with a median age of 55 months (IQR 28-149 months). The majority were neurologically impaired. 98 underwent laparoscopic-assisted PEG (86%), 1 was converted to open procedure (0.9%) and 16 had standard PEG (14%). Median follow-up was 10.5 months with 90 children having their original gastrostomy changed to a button at a median interval of 7.4 months. Complications observed included new or deteriorating gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) (n = 16), infection (n = 9), granulation tissue (n = 11), tube dislodgement (n = 2) and intra-abdominal leakage of feed (n = 2). There were two gastrocolic fistulae which occurred in the standard PEG group.
Conclusion:
The inadvertent formation of a gastrocolic fistula was avoided with the use of laparoscopy to aid PEG insertion.
Related Concept Videos
Enteral Nutrition II: Nasointestinal and Gastrostomy Feeding
Nasointestinal Feeding
Nasointestinal feeding involves placing a tube through...
Enteral Nutrition I: Orogastric and Nasogastric Feeding
Orogastric (OG) and nasogastric (NG) feeding are two standard methods used for enteral nutrition. Enteral nutrition is often preferred over...
Peptic Ulcer Disease V: Surgical Management and Nursing Care
Surgical Interventions for Peptic Ulcer Disease
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
Pyloric Obstruction