Gastrostomy Tube Placement by Radiological Methods for Older Patients Requiring Enteral Nutrition: Not to be...

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Medicine
• Interventional Radiology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Long-term nutritional support is frequently required for elderly patients.
• Percutaneous gastrostomy tube placement offers various methods, including endoscopic (PEG) and radiological (PRG) approaches.
• Experience with percutaneous radiological gastrostomy (PRG) is less extensive than with PEG.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the safety and short-term outcomes of percutaneous radiological gastrostomy (PRG) in older adults.
• To evaluate PRG as a method for long-term enteral feeding in the geriatric population.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study was conducted over 2 years at Laniado hospital.
• Included patients aged 65 years and older undergoing PRG insertion.
• Adverse events were recorded for 3 months post-procedure.

Main Results:

• Technical success rate was 100% with no immediate mortality or morbidity.
• Minor complications occurred in 67% of patients, major in 33%.
• One-month mortality was 3%, 3-month mortality was 16%; peritonitis and tube dislodgement were noted complications.

Conclusions:

• Percutaneous radiological gastrostomy (PRG) demonstrates relative safety and effectiveness in older patients.
• PRG may be a valuable option for patients with oral infections or on anti-thrombotic therapy.
• Further research into PRG outcomes in specific geriatric populations is warranted.