Single-centre endoscopic gastrostomy placement results: Experience and management of complications and side effects of nutritional products; review of 426 case presentations

Abstract

Introduction: We aim to present the results, experience, and management of the complications and side effects of nutritional products in geriatric patients (age≥65 years) who underwent percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy. Materials and Method: Between January 01, 2018, and 31 December 2021 we examined 426 patients from the endoscopy and intensive care units. We assessed their primary diseases, insertion indications, procedural complications (endoscopy unit, patient bedside, surgery-household), consultations in the clinic, and procedural morbidity and mortality. Results: Tubes were successfully placed in 426 patients but could not be inserted in 2 patients. The most common indication was cerebrovascular disease (45.3%) and the most common complication was catheter mobilization 16 (3.7%), primarily due to caregivers after discharge. In one patient, the tube passed through the transverse colon before reaching the stomach. This was noticed during colonoscopy and subsequently removed, after which the wound was closed primarily without any major complications. Wound infection resulting from leakage from the side of the tube, occurred in 12 patients (2.8%). Complications were more frequent in male patients aged > 70 years. The most common side effects of nutritional products in these patients were intolerance and diarrhoea. Conclusion: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is safe and minimally invasive endoscopic procedure associated with low rate of morbidity. Clinicians can maximize outcomes and identify complications early by being aware of complications and utilizing preventive strategies. Furthermore, they need to be aware of the proper management of nutritional products’ side effects. Keywords: Aged; Endoscopy; Critical Care; Gastrostomy.