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A Comparative Study of Surgical and Endoscopic Gastrostomy Tube Insertion in Pediatric Patients

Talal Alshareef1, Abdulmajeed Alenazi2, Bilal Qayyum3

  • 1General Surgery, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, SAU.

Cureus
|June 15, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Comparing surgical and endoscopic gastrostomy tube (G-tube) insertion in children, this study found similar complication and reintervention rates. The endoscopic method showed faster nutritional recovery, though further research is needed.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Gastroenterology
  • Medical Device Technology

Background:

  • Gastrostomy tube (G-tube) insertion is crucial for pediatric enteral nutrition.
  • Limited comparative data exists for surgical versus endoscopic G-tube placement outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare complication rates, hospital stay, recovery time, and reintervention between surgical and endoscopic G-tube insertion in pediatric patients.
  • To evaluate the safety and efficacy of different G-tube insertion methods.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cohort study of 74 pediatric patients (2020-2024).
  • Comparison of surgical (n=35) versus endoscopic (n=39) G-tube insertion.
  • Analysis of demographic, procedural, and postoperative outcome data.

Main Results:

  • No significant difference in overall complication or reintervention rates between surgical and endoscopic G-tube insertion.
  • Endoscopic group showed significant postoperative weight improvement (p<0.001).
  • Comparable rates for granuloma, leakage, and infection; higher hypotonia/muscular dystrophy in endoscopic group (p=0.026).

Conclusions:

  • Both surgical and endoscopic G-tube insertion show comparable safety profiles regarding complications and reinterventions.
  • Endoscopic approach may offer benefits in nutritional recovery and feeding resumption.
  • Larger, prospective studies are recommended for definitive conclusions and patient selection optimization.
Abstract

Keywords:
endoscopic gastronomy tubegastrointestinalgastronomy tubeintubationpediatric patientpostoperative complicationsretrospective studiessurgical gastronomy tube

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