Outcome of laparoscopic versus open gastrostomy in children

• Laparoscopic gastrostomy (LAPG) has gained popularity in children. The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of LAPG versus open gastrostomy (OG) in children with focus on complications, operative times and postoperative length of stay. Retrospective study of children who had gastrostomies inserted at our tertiary Pediatric Surgery Center from 2000 until 2013. The indications for a gastrostomy were an anticipated need for enteral support for at least 6 months. Totally 243 children were included in the study, 83 with LAPG and 160 with OG. We found a significant difference in postoperative length of stay, 3 days in the LAPG group versus 4 days in the OG group but no difference in a sub-group analysis from 2010 to 2013 when both techniques were used. There was no difference in median operative time or complications rates. Granuloma was the dominating complication in both groups. These two feeding-access techniques are comparable regarding complications, operative times and postoperative length of stay. The choice of surgical method should be individualized based on the patient's characteristics and the experience of the surgeon. The favorable results with LAPG in adults are not necessarily transferable to children since there are physiological and anatomical differences.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Pediatrik (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Pediatrics (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Kirurgi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Surgery (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Gastrostomy

Children

Laparoscopic gastrostomy

Open gastrostomy

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)