Percutaneous gastrostomy. A new simplified and cost-effective technique

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery

Background:

• Percutaneous tube gastrostomy is crucial for nutritional support in patients with severe underlying conditions.
• Traditional operative gastrostomy can be associated with higher risks and costs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a refined endoscopically controlled percutaneous tube gastrostomy technique.
• To evaluate the safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness of this procedure.

Main Methods:

• Detailed description of the refined endoscopically controlled percutaneous tube gastrostomy procedure.
• Analysis of patient outcomes, including mortality and morbidity, in 28 patients.
• Cost analysis comparing the technique to operative gastrostomy.

Main Results:

• The procedure was performed on 28 patients, many with severe neurologic disorders, oral/esophageal malignancy, or intestinal obstruction.
• Low complication rate (three minor complications) and no procedure-related deaths.
• In-hospital deaths (three) and later deaths (four) were unrelated to the gastrostomy procedure.
• The technique demonstrated significant cost savings compared to operative gastrostomy.

Conclusions:

• Endoscopically controlled percutaneous tube gastrostomy is a safe, easy, and acceptable procedure.
• This technique offers significant financial benefits over operative gastrostomy.
• It is a viable and cost-effective alternative for nutritional support.