Pediatric gastrostomy tube referral patterns and postoperative use: A single-center experience

Practice variability exists regarding the timing of gastrostomy tube (GT) placement in patients unable to maintain adequate oral nutrition. We sought to assess patient factors predictive of longer surgical GT use to inform patient selection.

We conducted a single-center, retrospective cohort study including children ≤18 years who underwent surgical GT placement from June 1, 2018 to June 1, 2021 at a children's hospital. Bivariate and logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the impact of referral patterns, operative indications, and patient comorbidities on the length of GT use.

Four hundred fifty-eight children underwent GT placement. Median age at placement was 5 months (interquartile range [IQR]: 2-12) and 52% were male. Fifty-six percent were referred from a neonatal intensive care unit;/cardiovascular intensive care unit provider before initial hospital discharge and 19% were outpatient referrals. Forty-six percent were premature and 50% exhibited oropharyngeal dysphagia. The median duration of nasogastric (NGT) feeding before GT placement was 36.5 days (IQR: 16-64). In those with GT removal (n = 140), the median duration of use was 269 days (IQR: 144-474), with 23% of the cohort no longer utilizing the GT within 12 months of placement. Patients with congenital lung disease (odds ratio [OR]: 3.03, p = 0.002) and genetic anomalies excluding isolated Trisomy 21 (OR: 3.57, p = 0.003) were more likely to require prolonged GT use.

Nearly a quarter of children attain full oral feeding within a year of GT placement. The identified factors predictive of prolonged GT use suggest early placement in these patients. Continuing NGT feeds in other patients may decrease the morbidity of unnecessary GT placement.