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Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube placement via the introducer technique is safe and effective in children
Kyle J Glithero1,2, Matthew T Hey3,4, Juan L Calisto3
1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Nicklaus Children's Hospital, 3100 S.W. 62nd, Avenue, Miami, FL, 33155, USA. kjglithero@gmail.com.
Insights
Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) introducer technique is faster and cheaper than laparoscopic gastrostomy (LapGT) in children. When safety criteria are met, PEG reduces operative time and cost without compromising patient safety.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Minimally invasive procedures
Background:
- Gastrostomy tubes are essential for nutritional support in pediatric patients.
- Both percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) and laparoscopic gastrostomy (LapGT) are established methods for tube placement.
- Comparing the efficiency and safety of these techniques is crucial for optimizing patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the outcomes of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) introducer technique versus laparoscopic gastrostomy (LapGT) in a pediatric setting.
- To evaluate differences in procedure time, operative charges, and 30-day complications between the two techniques.
- To determine the safety and efficacy of the PEG introducer technique in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of isolated PEG and LapGT placements from August 2016 to January 2018.
- Comparison of demographics, procedure time, operative charges, and 30-day complications.
- Statistical analysis using the student's t test for quantitative data and the X2 test for categorical data.
Main Results:
- Ninety-three gastrostomy tubes were placed (56 PEG, 37 LapGT).
- PEG procedures were significantly shorter (14 vs. 33 minutes, p < 0.001) and less costly (average $4500 less).
- No significant difference in 30-day complications or fundoplication rates; two PEGs were converted to LapGTs.
Conclusions:
- The PEG introducer technique is a safe and effective alternative to LapGT in pediatric patients.
- Utilizing PEG with defined safety criteria significantly reduces operative time and costs.
- PEG placement offers comparable safety outcomes to LapGT, making it a cost-effective option.
Purpose:
We compare our experience of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, introducer technique (PEG) and laparoscopic technique (LapGT) at a tertiary care pediatric hospital.
Methods:
Isolated PEGs and LapGTs placements were reviewed at our institution from August 2016 through January 2018. Demographics, procedure time, operative charges, and 30-day complications were reviewed. Means of quantitative values were compared using the student's t test. Categorical values were compared using the X2 test.
Results:
Ninety-three isolated gastrostomy tubes were placed in children aged 2 weeks to 19 years. There were 56 PEGs (60%) and 37 LapGTs (40%), based on surgeon preference. There was no significant difference in demographics between the two groups. Mean operative time for PEG was 59% shorter (14 vs. 33 min, p < 0.001). Operating room charges averaged $4500 less in the PEG group ($11,400 vs. $15,900, p < 0.001). Neither group had complications that required a return to the operating room within 30 days postoperatively. There was no difference in the rate of fundoplication after gastrostomy tube placement. In two cases PEGs were converted to LapGTs after safety criteria for PEG were not met.
Conclusion:
The PEG introducer technique, when used with clearly defined safety criteria, decreased operative time and cost without compromising safety.
Level Of Evidence:
III.
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