Radiologically inserted gastrostomy: differences of maintenance of balloon- vs. loop-retained devices

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Interventional Radiology
• Medical Device Engineering

Background:

• Radiologically inserted gastrostomy (RIG) is a common procedure for enteral feeding.
• Different device types, including balloon-retained and loop-retained gastrostomy tubes, are available.
• Complication rates and device performance vary, necessitating comparative studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the outcomes and associated complications of balloon-retained versus loop-retained devices used in radiologically inserted gastrostomy (RIG).

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study of 233 patients undergoing RIG between 2007 and 2011 due to pharyngeal stricture.
• Four different devices were used: balloon-retained (Freka, MIC, Russell) and loop-retained (Tilma).
• Outcomes assessed included RIG-related complications, removal reasons, fatalities, and revision-free survival analyzed using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression.

Main Results:

• Primary technical success rate was 95.3%. Tube dislodgement was the most frequent complication (14.3%).
• No significant difference in overall complications between distinct devices (p=0.098).
• Loop-retained gastrostomy tubes demonstrated a significantly higher probability of minor complications compared to balloon-retained tubes (p=0.023).

Conclusions:

• Balloon-retained gastrostomy tubes are associated with a significantly lower incidence of minor complications.
• The use of balloon-retained devices is recommended to enhance the practicability and maintenance of radiologically inserted gastrostomy procedures.