The Stamm gastrostomy: a sound procedure

Area of Science:

• Surgical Procedures
• Gastroenterology
• Nutritional Support

Background:

• Open gastrostomy is a crucial method for nutritional support in patients with conditions preventing oral intake.
• The Stamm technique is a common approach for creating a gastrostomy.
• Evaluating the safety and efficacy of a modified Stamm technique is important for clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the outcomes of 100 personal cases of open gastrostomy using a modified Stamm technique.
• To assess the feasibility, complications, and mortality associated with this modified procedure.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 100 consecutive cases undergoing open gastrostomy via a modified Stamm technique.
• Data collected on anesthesia type, technical complications, wound infections, and mortality.
• Analysis of factors potentially influencing wound complication rates.

Main Results:

• The majority of procedures (82.7%) were performed under local anesthesia with intravenous sedation.
• A low incidence of wound complications was observed (one infection).
• No technical complications were reported, and overall mortality (18%) was attributed to underlying diseases, not the procedure itself.

Conclusions:

• The modified Stamm gastrostomy is a safe procedure with very low morbidity and no intrinsic mortality.
• It can be effectively performed under local anesthesia, offering a viable option for nutritional support in terminally ill patients.
• Specific modifications, such as a separate stab wound and antibiotic irrigation, may reduce wound complications.