Outcomes After Laparoscopic Gastrostomy Suture Techniques in Children
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 2, 2026
Laparoscopic Pancreatoduodenectomy With Modified Blumgart Pancreaticojejunostomy
Published on: June 17, 2018
Cameron A Mason1, David E Skarda2, Brian T Bucher1
1Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah.
Insights
Subcutaneous sutures during pediatric laparoscopic gastrostomy increase the risk of major postoperative complications compared to temporary sutures. This finding aids in selecting safer surgical techniques for children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Techniques
Background:
- Laparoscopic gastrostomy involves securing the stomach to the abdominal wall using various suture techniques.
- The comparative safety of temporary fixation versus subcutaneous absorbable sutures in pediatric patients is not well-established.
- Understanding suture technique impact on postoperative complications is crucial for patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate if specific suture techniques for laparoscopic gastrostomy in children are associated with increased postoperative complications.
- To compare the rates of major and minor complications between temporary and subcutaneous absorbable suture groups.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort analysis of pediatric patients (<18 years) undergoing laparoscopic gastrostomy (2012-2016).
- Patients categorized by suture technique: temporary sutures vs. subcutaneous absorbable sutures.
- Postoperative outcomes (30-day) assessed for major (tube dislodgement, reoperation, readmission) and minor complications (stitch abscess, SSI, ED visit).
- Chi-squared test used for statistical comparison.
Main Results:
- 682 pediatric patients analyzed; 301 (44%) received subcutaneous sutures, 381 (56%) received temporary sutures.
- Overall major and minor complication rates were 8.3% and 22%, respectively.
- A significantly higher rate of major postoperative complications was observed in the subcutaneous suture group (11%) compared to the temporary suture group (6.3%, P=0.029).
- No significant difference in minor complication rates between the two groups.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric patients undergoing laparoscopic gastrostomy with subcutaneous sutures face a higher risk of major postoperative complications.
- Temporary suture techniques may be associated with a lower risk of major complications in this population.
- Suture technique selection is an important consideration to minimize adverse outcomes in pediatric laparoscopic gastrostomy.
Background:
There are various suture techniques used during laparoscopic gastrostomy to secure the stomach to the anterior abdominal wall. However, it remains unclear whether temporary fixation or subcutaneous absorbable sutures predispose pediatric patients to fewer postoperative complications. Our goal was to determine if a particular suture technique resulted in an increased risk for the development of postoperative complications.
Materials And Methods:
A retrospective cohort analysis was performed for patients less than 18 y of age who underwent laparoscopic gastrostomy at a tertiary Children's Hospital between 2012 and 2016. Children were grouped according to suture techniques for laparoscopic gastrostomy placement: temporary sutures or subcutaneous absorbable sutures. Postoperative outcomes at 30 d were defined as major complications (tube dislodgement, unplanned reoperation, readmission) and minor complications (stitch abscess, surgical site infection, emergency department visit). The chi squared test was used to determine if an association existed between the suture techniques and 30 d postoperative complications.
Results:
We identified 682 pediatric patients who underwent laparoscopic gastrostomy. There were 301 (44%) patients with subcutaneous sutures placed and 381 (56%) with temporary sutures placed. The overall rate of major and minor complications was 8.3% and 22%, respectively. We observed a significant difference in the occurrence of major postoperative complications between the subcutaneous and temporary suture techniques (11% versus 6.3%, P = 0.029). There was no significant difference in the development of minor complications between subcutaneous and temporary suture techniques.
Conclusions:
Children who receive subcutaneous sutures during laparoscopic gastrostomy are at an increased risk for developing a major postoperative complication.
More Related Videos
04:02Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy with Indocyanine Green Fluorescence: Choledochoscopic Stone Extraction and Primary Duct Suture
Published on: November 25, 2025
09:18Measurements of Motor Function and Other Clinical Outcome Parameters in Ambulant Children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Published on: January 12, 2019
Related Concept Videos
01:15Enteral Nutrition II: Nasointestinal and Gastrostomy Feeding
Nasointestinal Feeding
Nasointestinal feeding involves placing a tube...
01:22Sutures of the Skull
Sutures are immobile joints between adjacent bones of the skull. The narrow gap between the bones is filled with dense, fibrous connective tissue that unites the bones. The long sutures located between the skull bones are not straight but instead follow irregular, tightly twisting paths. These twisting lines tightly...
02:24Predicting Reaction Outcomes
01:13Outcomes of Glycolysis
Cellular respiration can occur aerobically (with oxygen) or anaerobically (without oxygen). In the presence of oxygen, cellular respiration starts with glycolysis and continues with pyruvate...
01:11Guidelines for Writing Outcome
Patient outcomes reflect the patient's response to the goal rather than what the nurse aims to achieve. Terminology should be observable and measurable to avoid the reader's interpretation. The desired outcome should be realistic and achievable in the designated care timeframe. Expected outcomes should align with adjunctive therapies. The outcome should enhance care...
01:29Drug Dosing: Infants and Children