Retrograde percutaneous gastrostomy: a prospective study in 57 children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Minimally Invasive Procedures
• Interventional Radiology

Background:

• Percutaneous gastrostomy tube placement is crucial for nutritional support in children.
• Limited data exists on the safety and efficacy of the retrograde approach in a large pediatric cohort.
• Understanding complications and success rates of Retrograde Percutaneous Gastrostomy (RPG) is essential for clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prospectively evaluate the feasibility and complication profile of Retrograde Percutaneous Gastrostomy (RPG) in pediatric patients.
• To assess the success rate of catheter placement using the retrograde technique in a large series of children.
• To document any adverse events or complications associated with RPG in this cohort.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of 57 children (3 weeks to 17 years) undergoing Retrograde Percutaneous Gastrostomy (RPG).
• Procedures performed under IV sedation, oral sedation, general anesthesia, or local anesthesia.
• Detailed description of the retrograde technique for gastrostomy or gastrojejunostomy catheter placement.

Main Results:

• Successful catheter placement in 56 out of 57 children (98.2% success rate).
• One initial misplacement corrected during the procedure; one dislodgement requiring replacement.
• Minor complications included transient abdominal tenderness and fever in two children; no septicemia or significant infections reported.

Conclusions:

• Retrograde Percutaneous Gastrostomy (RPG) is a highly feasible and safe technique for pediatric gastrostomy and gastrojejunostomy.
• The procedure demonstrates a low complication rate, with significant benefits in weight gain and nutritional support for children.
• RPG offers a valuable option for enteral feeding in pediatric patients, supported by this large prospective study.