A comparison of techniques for laparoscopic gastrostomy placement in children

The insertion of gastrostomy tube (GT) for children is typically accomplished using a minimally invasive approach. There is considerable variability in the technical details of this operation, depending on how much of the procedure is performed intracorporeal. The purpose of this study is to compare the outcomes and resource utilization of two differing techniques for laparoscopic GT insertion in the pediatric population.

A single-center retrospective review of all patients who underwent a laparoscopic GT insertion from 2001-2011 was conducted and analyzed based on technique of insertion. This was laparoscopy plus either an intracorporeal Seldinger technique, or an extracorporeal insertion approach, (mini-open technique; [MOT]). Outcomes investigated included short-term complications within the first mo (dislodgement, infection), long-term complications (infection, need for revision, dislodgement), and measures of resource utilization (operative time, material cost, and GT-related hospital visits).

A total of 129 insertions were performed; 87 (67.4%) done using the Seldinger technique, and 42 underwent MOT. Overall, complication rates did not differ between the two groups. Of all patients who underwent a GT placement, 38% were treated for granulation tissue, 27.1% experienced dislodgement, and 23.3% were reported to have a GT-related infection. The MOT approach was associated with a 29% reduction in disposable operating room costs and a 57% reduction in emergency department visits (P < 0.05).

Pediatric patients undergoing laparoscopic gastrostomy tube insertion via the Seldinger or MOT method have similar morbidity risks, although MOT was associated with less overall resource utilization in this study.