Percutaneous fluoroscopic guided gastrostomy: 6 Years experience in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the local experience with the percutaneous fluoroscopic gastrostomy (PG) with regard to indications, outcome, limitations and complications of the procedure. Method: Retrospective analysis of 33 patients in whom PG was requested and performed over a period of 6 years. Results: All 33 patients had successful catheter placement. Six patients had their catheters advanced to the jejunum (transgastric jejunostomy). Two patients had PG after failed endoscopic gastrostomy (EG). No major complications were encountered within the first 30 days. Minor complications were noted in seven patients (21%). Three patients (9%) had local infection at the stoma. The other four patients (12%) had catheter occlusion (use-related complications) that required catheter change. Longterm follow-up in eight patients showed a pericatheter leak at the stoma in three patients that was managed by change and step-up in the feeding catheter; French size. There was no 30-day mortality. Conclusion: The results indicate that PG is a safe and effective method for enteral feeding. It is useful for short and long-term feeding. Failed EG can be considered an indication for PG.