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Gastrostomy tube infections in a community hospital

E C Pien1, K E Hume, F D Pien

  • 1Department of Medicine, Straub Clinic and Hospital, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA.

American Journal of Infection Control
|October 1, 1996
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Percutaneous gastrostomy tubes can cause serious infections, including peritonitis and abscesses, with a 4.8% infection rate. Early and aggressive treatment is crucial to prevent severe outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious disease
  • Gastroenterology
  • Medical device complications

Background:

  • Percutaneous gastrostomy tubes are increasingly used for nutritional support in debilitated patients.
  • These tubes reduce aspiration risk compared to nasogastric tubes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the incidence and nature of infectious complications associated with percutaneous gastrostomy tubes.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective review of 372 percutaneous gastrostomy tube placements.
  • Analysis of infectious complications over a defined period in a community hospital.

Main Results:

  • An overall infection rate of 4.8% was observed.
  • Serious infections included two cases of peritonitis and two deep abscesses; no infectious deaths occurred.
  • Common pathogens included staphylococci, gram-negative bacteria, and yeast, often requiring parenteral antibiotics and prolonged hospitalization.

Conclusions:

  • Percutaneous gastrostomy tubes pose a risk of life-threatening infections requiring vigilant management by infection control practitioners.
  • Strict protocols for tube care and prompt, aggressive treatment of infections are essential to mitigate serious consequences.
  • Insertion should be considered only when it significantly improves patient quality of life.

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