Intraoperative Transpyloric Tube Insertion for Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia: Analysis of Japanese Study Group Data

Hidehiko Maruyama1, Shoichiro Amari1, Yutaka Kanamori2

  • 1Division of Neonatology, Center for Maternal-Fetal, Neonatal and Reproductive Medicine, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan.

Insights

Intraoperative transpyloric tube (TPT) insertion in infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) did not improve early nutritional intake or weight gain. Weight growth velocity at 60 days was lower in the TPT group, suggesting no benefit from this approach.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Neonatology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a severe condition often complicated by gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD).
  • Transpyloric tubes (TPTs) are used intraoperatively in some centers to facilitate early enteral feeding in CDH infants, potentially improving respiratory status.
  • The clinical benefit of intraoperative TPT insertion on patient prognosis remains uncertain.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effectiveness of intraoperative transpyloric tube (TPT) insertion compared to standard gastric tubes (GTs) in CDH infants.
  • To assess the impact on early enteral nutrition and postoperative weight gain velocity.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 204 infants with CDH from the Japanese CDH Study Group database (2011-2016).
  • Infants were divided into an intraoperative TPT group and a gastric tube (GT) group.
  • Weight growth velocity (WGV) was calculated using an exponential model; subgroup analysis was performed based on Kitano's gastric position classification.

Main Results:

  • No significant difference in enteral nutrition at 14 (EN14) or 21 days (EN21) between TPT and GT groups.
  • Weight growth velocity at 30 days (WGV30) was similar; however, WGV at 60 days (WGV60) was significantly lower in the TPT group (p=0.03).
  • Subgroup analysis for severe CDH (Kitano's Grade 2+3) showed no advantage for TPT in nutritional intake or weight gain.

Conclusions:

  • Intraoperative TPT insertion in CDH infants does not enhance nutritional intake or short-term weight gain.
  • Longer-term weight gain (WGV60) was negatively impacted by TPT use.
  • Routine intraoperative TPT insertion is not recommended for CDH patients.
Abstract

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