Outcome of laparoscopy-assisted feeding tube insertion in elderly stroke victims

When percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is not possible, or fails, the patient is referred for laparoscopic gastrostomy or jejunostomy (LAG/J).

During 2005-2008, we performed laparoscopy-assisted feeding tube insertion on 15 patients. We assessed the outcome in terms of leaks, infection, longevity etc. The patients were followed-up for up to 12 months.

The procedure was successful in 14/15 patients. However, thirteen died within little more than a year, of whom seven suffered from pneumonia or aspiration.

Our study confirms that LAG/J is technically possible, carries a high morbidity, is a last ditch attempt and that it does not change the general prognosis of these debilitated patients.