Tubes In Children Research Articles

A biologically transparent illumination device is more useful in children for detecting the position of the nasogastric tube in the stomach.

The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the Biologically Transparent Illumination (BTI) device for confirming the correct placement of nasogastric (NG) tubes in children, as an alternative to X-ray, which exposes patients to radiation. In this prospective observational study, 106 pediatric patients (ages 0-16) undergoing NG-tube insertion after general anesthesia were evaluated. The BTI catheter was used to emit bio-permeable red light from the NG tube, which was then visually confirmed in the cervical, thoracic, and epigastric regions. X-ray confirmed NG-tube placement in all patients. The ethics committee approved the study. The average patient age was 3.8years, with a male-to-female ratio of 72:34. BTI was successfully detected in the epigastric area in 105 of 106 patients, with one 9-year-old patient having unclear BTI visibility. X-ray confirmed NG-tube placement in the stomach for all patients, resulting in a BTI sensitivity of 99%. The mean NG-tube insertion time was 38s, and the mean abdominal thickness was 9.8mm. The BTI device proved to be a safe and effective method for NG-tube placement in children, offering a radiation-free alternative with 100% successful placement when BTI was detected in the epigastric area.

Laryngeal mask vs. laryngeal tube trial in paediatric patients (LaMaTuPe): a single-blinded, open-label, randomised-controlled trial.

In hypoxemic children with difficult airway, or for minor elective procedures, the use of a supraglottic airway device may be preferred to endotracheal intubation, whether with a laryngeal mask or laryngeal tube. Second-generation laryngeal masks may offer a better safety profile. Whether they should be preferred to laryngeal tubes is unknown. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of second-generation laryngeal masks and laryngeal tubes in children. This randomised-controlled trial was conducted in a single university hospital in children <18 years undergoing elective anaesthesia in urology, minor paediatric surgery and gynaecology. Patients were 1 : 1 randomised to the laryngeal mask or laryngeal tube group. Children were allocated a second-generation laryngeal tube or a second-generation laryngeal mask as the primary airway device. The primary endpoint was insertion time. Secondary endpoints included first-attempt success, overall success and complications, which included hypoxia (SpO2 < 90%), laryngospasm, bronchospasm, aspiration and bleeding. In total, 135 patients were randomised, with 61 allocated to the laryngeal tube and 74 to the laryngeal mask group, with a median age of 5.4 and 4.9 years, respectively. Median insertion time was significantly longer in the laryngeal tube group (37 vs. 31 s; difference of medians: 6.0 s; 95% confidence interval: 0.0-13.0). The laryngeal tube had a significantly lower first-attempt (41.0%) and overall success rate (45.9%) than the laryngeal mask (90.5% and 97.3%, respectively). Those allocated to the laryngeal tube group had a higher ratio of complications (27.8%) compared to the laryngeal mask group (2.7%). This randomised-controlled trial reported that in children undergoing elective anaesthesia, the use of a laryngeal tube was associated with a longer insertion time.

Confirmation of correct placement of nasogastric / orogastric tube on Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) in pediatric critical care unit patients.

Objective: To determine frequency of correct placement of nasogastric /orogastric tube on POCUS in pediatric critical care unit patients. Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional. Setting: High Dependency Unit and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Indus Hospital Health Network, Karachi, Pakistan. Period: November 2022 to April 2023. Methods: Patients of age 1 months to 15 years of age requiring NGT placement were enrolled into the study. Patients with nasal surgery, fracture of skull base/ face, bleeding, coagulopathy, esophageal varices, stricture, upper gastrointestinal surgery were excluded from this study. NG tube was passed by principal investigator after evaluating correct size and length measurement. After passing the NG tube, gastric aspiration and gastric auscultation were also performed by principal investigator. Results: In this study we enrolled 147children with median age of patient was 3 (IQR=0.75-07) years. Majority of patient in our study were male (63.9%). Gastric aspiration and gastric auscultation was seen in all of the study patients. Based on POCUS, frequency of correct placement of nasogastric tube in children admitted in PICU was 83%. Sensitivity of POCUS against gastric aspiration and gastric auscultation was 82.5% with 100% positive predictive value (PPV). Specificity was unable compute as there was no negative finding in reference standard and hence there was also no false positive case. Conclusion: POCUS seems to be helpful and could help with the placement of NGT in paediatric clinical settings. Nevertheless, NGT envision in the stomach was difficult, and if the operator is not skilled or there is abdominal distention, it may go unnoticed.

Pediatric otitis media with effusion: current surgical approach

Otitis media with effusion (EOM), also called serous otitis media, is defined as the presence of fluid in the middle ear without signs of acute infection. EOM is a very common childhood disease. 90% of preschool children experience EOM, with an average of 4 episodes per year. There are 3 main factors in the etiology of EOM; impaired ventilation of the middle ear, infection and inflammation. Treatment of EOM is a combination of observation, medical and surgical therapies. The goals of treatment are to clear the middle ear fluid and restore normal middle ear pressure and hearing. In surgical treatment, myringotomy and tympanostomy tube placement are the main approaches. Shepard Grommet type temporary tube application is the most commonly used material. The current version of the "Tympanostomy Tubes in Children" guideline published by the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) in 2013 was renewed in 2022. In this short review, we will explain the indications for surgical treatment of EOM-tympanostomy tube application with this guideline.

Outcomes after balloon dilation of the eustachian tube in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Outcomes after balloon dilation of the eustachian tube in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Height best predicts the optimal insertion length of orotracheal tubes in children

IntroductionAccurate formulae to predict the optimal insertion length of endotracheal tubes (ETT) are necessary for safe care and have been based on height, weight, age, and ETT size. We believe height best reflects the somatic growth of the trachea. Our goal is to compare a formula generated using height for optimal initial insertion length of ETT to previously published formulae based on height, weight, age, and ETT size.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed chest radiographs over a two-year period where the head was assured in midline and midposition. We excluded children with conditions altering tracheal dimensions or stature, and scoliosis. We chose 2 cm above the carina to be the optimal insertion length of the ETT which was then correlated to height. We created linear regression equations and Bland-Altman plots.ResultsTwo hundred three orotracheally intubated children were included. The optimal ETT insertion length using the formula Height (cm)/8 + 3.4 had a high association with linear regression and Bland-Altman plots had the narrowest 95% limits of agreement as compared to previously published formulae.ConclusionsWe found optimal insertion length = Height (cm)/8 + 3.4 is more accurate as compared to commonly used formulae that are based on weight, age, or ETT size. This formula places the ETT 2 cm above the carina which should be safe until a chest radiograph is obtained. We find that the use of formulae that divide the height by 10 overestimates the depth of insertion in younger, smaller children and underestimates the depth of insertion in older children.

A Systematic Review on the Current Attitudes and Clinical Practices on the Use of Cuffed and Uncuffed Endotracheal Tubes in Pediatric Anesthesia.

For several decades now, the use of uncuffed endotracheal tube (ETT) is the gold standard in providing airway and ventilatory support to children under anesthesia. However, there has been a change in focus from the application of uncuffed ETT to cuffed ETT among children, and this matter has been debated for years. In fact, several studies have shown that even across and within countries, the attitudes and practices of anesthesiologists on the use of types of endotracheal tubes differed. To describe the current attitudes and practices of anesthesiologists regarding the use of uncuffed or cuffed ETT for children. A systematic review of observational studies on the current attitudes and practices of pediatric anesthesiologists regarding the use of cuffed and uncuffed ETT was conducted from May to November 2020. Cochrane reviews, Medline, Pubmed, and EMBASE were searched and yielded five relevant studies. The use of cuffed ETT ranged between 11%-61% in the included studies and all reported that there were no consensus or standard on whether cuffed or uncuffed ETT was better. Reported factors for cuffed ETT use included: 1) Personal choice, 2) Department protocol, 3) Availability of resources, and 4) Specific conditions such as obesity, planned or emergency procedure, and reduced lung compliance. In terms of ETT size, reported criteria were: 1) Use of a formula, 2) Use of abacus/calculator, and 3) In relation to the fifth finger's width. The current systematic review demonstrated that there is wide variation in current attitudes and practices of anesthesiologists regarding the use of uncuffed or cuffed endotracheal tubes in children. Likewise, factors affecting choice of ETT and criteria for selection varied in the published literature. The results of this systematic review highlight the need for a standard guideline to help clinicians choose if cuffed or uncuffed ETT is better in certain scenarios and to help them decide in selecting the most appropriate ETT size.

Outcomes of in-office versus operating room insertion of tympanostomy tubes in children

ObjectiveTympanostomy tube insertion in children is commonly performed under general anesthesia, but there has been increasing interest in office-based alternatives. Although initial research comparing in-office versus operating room (OR) insertion of tubes looks promising, there are scant data available on long-term outcomes. The objective of this study is to compare long-term outcomes of tympanostomy tubes placed in-office versus the OR, with emphasis on the duration of tube function. MethodsWe reviewed electronic medical records in an academic pediatric otolaryngology practice of children under age 13 years who had tubes placed in-office or the OR between 2010 and 2021. Differences in time to unilateral and bilateral tube occlusion/extrusion were compared by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis with log rank comparison. Cox regression modeling was performed to identify predictors of tube occlusion/extrusion. Results817 children were included (473 office tubes, 344 OR tubes). Tube placement was equally successful for both groups (98.3% for office and 98.9% for OR). Comparison of Kaplan-Meier plots for time to unilateral and bilateral tube occlusion/extrusion by location showed no significant difference (P = .842 for unilateral and P = .714 for bilateral). However, regression analysis indicated a strong interaction of location with operator status (resident vs attending). Median time to unilateral occlusion/extrusion and bilateral occlusion/extrusion was shorter for OR residents compared to OR attendings (15.0 vs 19.5 months, P = .002, and 22.1 vs 32.0 months, P = .030, respectively). There was no difference in the time to unilateral or bilateral tube occlusion/extrusion between the office attending and OR attending groups (16.8 vs 19.5 months, P = .057 for unilateral, and 23.0 vs 32.0 months, P = .320 for bilateral). There was no significant difference between groups in the need for tube removal, repeat tubes, tube medialization, or post-extrusion tympanic membrane perforation. ConclusionThe comparable long-term outcomes found for tubes inserted in-office versus the OR, including time to occlusion/extrusion, suggest that both settings are acceptable for the procedure, with choice based primarily on parental preference, clinician experience, and shared decision making with families.

Can ChatGPT Guide Parents on Tympanostomy Tube Insertion?

The emergence of ChatGPT, a state-of-the-art language model developed by OpenAI, has introduced a novel avenue for patients to seek medically related information. This technology holds significant promise in terms of accessibility and convenience. However, the use of ChatGPT as a source of accurate information enhancing patient education and engagement requires careful consideration. The objective of this study was to assess the accuracy and reliability of ChatGPT in providing information on the indications and management of complications post-tympanostomy, the most common pediatric procedure in otolaryngology. We prompted ChatGPT-3.5 with questions and compared its generated responses with the recommendations provided by the latest American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) "Clinical Practice Guideline: Tympanostomy Tubes in Children (Update)". A total of 23 responses were generated by ChatGPT against the AAO-HNSF guidelines. Following a thorough review, it was determined that 22/23 (95.7%) responses exhibited a high level of reliability and accuracy, closely aligning with the gold standard. Our research study indicates that ChatGPT may be of assistance to parents in search of information regarding tympanostomy tube insertion and its clinical implications.

Using Geometric Morphometric Analysis of Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Assess the Anatomy of the Eustachian Tube in Children with and without Otitis Media.

Otitis media (OM) is among the most common of childhood illnesses. It has long been hypothesized that children under age two are predisposed to OM due to differences in the anatomy of the Eustachian tube (ET), including the angle of the ET. OM in later childhood is less common but does occur, begging the question, are there shape differences in the ET that persist underlying later occurrences of OM? To answer this question, a novel method, which applied geometric and morphometric shape analysis to landmarks obtained from MRI data, was used. MRI scans were performed on 16 children (5 control, 3 cOME, and 8 rAOM) between 2011 and 2015. Sixteen landmarks representing the shape of the ET, cranial base, and palate were analyzed. The results of a Procrustes ANOVA indicate that the shape of the ET varies significantly (p < 0.01) between the OM and control groups. The shape differences between the OM group and the control are a medial and low attachment site of the tensor veli palatini (TVP) muscle, a posterior and high torus tubarius, and an anteriorly projected palate. These results support previous findings that a relatively horizontal ET is associated with a predisposition for OM. This study used a novel approach to examine anatomical differences in children with and without OM. First, the data set is unique in that it includes MRI scans of children with a confirmed OM diagnosis. Second, the use of MRI scans in craniofacial anatomy OM research is novel and allows for the collection of soft tissue landmarks and the visualization of soft tissue structures. Third, geometric morphometric shape analysis is a statistical method that captures shape differences, offering a more universal picture of nuanced changes within the entire set of landmarks, in contrast to more traditional linear and angular measurements used in prior OM studies examining craniofacial anatomy.

12 What is the Evidence? Gastrojejunal (GJ) Tubes for Children: A Scoping Review

Abstract Background Feeding tubes have become an important part of care for children with various health conditions. Using gastrojejunal (GJ) tubes is increasingly common in children who do not tolerate gastric feeding. There are some recent articles that show GJ tubes are safe for children. Despite the increasing number of children who require these feeding tubes and their associated safety profile, health care professionals do not have adequate education on GJ tube use. This can impact the care received by children who require GJ tubes. Further, it is necessary to consider the experiences of caregivers who support these children. Objectives There appears to be a paucity of synthesized data on GJ tube use in paediatrics in the academic literature. Therefore, the aim of this review is to bring forward literature reflecting clinical indications for placement, standardized pathways, quality improvement initiatives, and the experiences of patients, families, and caregivers. This will help us better understand the relationship that GJ tubes have with various stakeholders involved in healthcare. Design/Methods A scoping review was undertaken on Embase, Medline and Web of Science. The search parameters were built with the assistance of a subject expert librarian. All articles were uploaded and screened using the Covidence research management software. Following automatic duplicate removal on Covidence, a total of 2,154 articles of interest were found. Following abstract and title screening, 142 articles were assessed in the full-text review stage. Finally, after full-text review, 97 articles were included for data extraction. Refer to Figure 1. One member of our research team is the parent of a child who used a GJ tube, whose role is to review our search criteria as well as results. Results There are several clinical indicators for GJ tube placement, such as neurological, gastrointestinal, respiratory, cardiovascular, and surgical-related indications. Also, GJ tubes are more often placed as an alternative to fundoplication. Often a GJ tube is placed subsequent to a gastric tube for patients who were unable to tolerate gastric feedings. In considering standardized pathways, a variety of initiatives have been initiated and assessed with the goal of increasing the efficiency of tube placements. Various benefits have been documented as a result of the implementation of these standardized pathways, including reduced health visits to the emergency department and shorter postoperative stays in the hospital. There have been various quality improvement initiatives also, ranging from surgical innovations regarding tube placement, tube complication reduction initiatives, and certain considerations for specific populations who may have additional support needs. For patients, there were several documented benefits for children, such as improved weight. There were also increases in satisfaction of the child and parent/caregiver. Regarding placement, it was found that parents often experienced stress and sometimes felt uninformed about the tube placement process. Conclusion This scoping review has highlighted a variety of domains that children experience in relation to GJ tubes. This information can support the stakeholders involved in the healthcare process. Moving forward, additional reviews that focus on specific domains are necessary to appraise the quality of the data and highlight future directions.

A new formula to predict the size and insertion depth of cuffed nasotracheal tube in children receiving dental surgery: a retrospective study

This retrospective study aimed to develop a new formula for selecting the appropriate size and determining the depth of the cuffed nasotracheal intubation (NTI) for a cuffed endotracheal tube (cETT) in pediatric patients undergoing dental surgery. In addition, the clinical data on cETT (i.e., the size and depth of insertion) was compared with those calculated with age-based formulas to evaluate their correlation. A total number of 684 patients who received NTI were enrolled (healthy group, n = 607; special-need group, n = 77). The ETT size used in real-world scenarios was smaller (i.e., about 0.5 and 0.94 mm) than the age-based formula, while the ETT depth was greater (i.e., about 1.5 cm) than the age-based formula in both groups. In the healthy group, age, gender, and body weight were identified as predictors of ETT size and depth through multiple linear regression analysis, while only age and body weight were predictors in the special-needs group. New formulas were developed based on these findings, with ETT size = 3.98 + 0.052 × age + 0.048 × gender (male = 1, female = 0) + 0.023 × body weight (kg) and ETT depth = 15.1 + 0.43 × age + 0.300 × gender (male = 1, female = 0) + 0.007 × body weight (kg). The new formula could be useful for both healthy and special-need pediatric populations undergoing dental procedures.

Use of Short Term Ventilation Tube in Children Having Chronic Otitis Media with Effusion

Abstract Background: Otitis media with effusion is a collection of fluid inside the middle ear cleft, treatment of this condition include medical and surgical methods. This research goal is to focus and specify the clinical features of OME and the association between the new staging and the postoperative findings after surgery of insertion of ventilation tubes (VTs). Objectives: The objective of the study was to assess postoperative sequelae after VT insertion in children. Patients and Methods: Thirty two children with OME with surgical insertion of short term ventilation tubes were included in this study and followed up for one year. Results: In 22 patients, the fluid aspirated surgically after myringotomy was serous, whereas 10 patients were mucinous; for the patients, 53.12% had recurrence, whereas 46.88% showed no recurrence of OME. Only 6.25% of cases included in this study developed myringosclerosis; no otorrhea was reported during the period of the presence of VT in the tympanic membrane, no persistent tympanic membrane perforation after VT auto-extrusion. Conclusion: Even though VT have shown to be very useful in solving conductive hearing loss, its efficacy is a matter of debate in preventing long-term poor effects of the tympanic membrane and delayed onset of hearing loss. Even though ventilation tubes have shown to be very useful in solving the problem of conductive hearing loss.

Comparison of Accuracy of Ultrasound Measurement of Subglottic Diameter Versus Conventional Age Based Formula for Estimating Endotracheal Tube Size for Pediatric Surgical Patients- A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study

Introduction: The main aim of this study is to determine if ultrasonography (USG) based measurement of subglottic diameter is the best size predictor for endotracheal tube (ETT) in pediatric surgical cases over age-based formula with micro cuff tube. Also, to test reintubation percentage and post-operative complications in children. Methodology: This research is double-blind randomized control study with 68 children undergoing elective surgery requiring general anaesthesia with micro cuff tube. They were divided into 2 groups i.e. ETT size by USG (group U) and ETT size by age-based formula group A) (with 34 children in each. Both groups ETT measurement was calculated by independent Samples t-test, and correlation of both groups with actual ET Tube was measured by Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Reintubations or post-op complications was measured by Chi-squared test. Results: Mean age of group A and U are 5.65 ± 2.77 and 5.97 ± 2.77 respectively. Mean weights were from 13.5±2.06 kgs to 27±4.63kgs. Statistical significance with a P-value (P=0.0460) is observed in group U whereas no significance was seen in group A. A strong positive correlation (R=0.960) between USG-estimated ETT size and actual ETT size is observed. The difference in reintubations and post-op complications in group U were statistically significant with P &lt; 0.002. Conclusion: The present study concludes that the sub glottis diameter measured by USG is a good predictor for correct size of micro cuff endo tracheal tube in children.

RAE ENDOTRACHEAL TUBES SIZES FOR CHILDREN UNDERGOING CLEFT LIP AND PALATE SURGERY.

Background: Appropriate sizes (internal diameters) of RAE endotracheal tubes in children with cleft lip and palate, who generally have delayed growth and development in early infancy have not been explained. Objectives: The aim of the current study was to identify the proper size of REA endotracheal tube for intubation used for cleft lip and palate surgery and intubation outcomes in these patients. Material and methods: 60 cleft lip and palate patients were selected for analytic cross-sectional study. The proper tube size was determined by normal children formula. Then tube size was confirmed by patients' minimum resistance to intubation, proper ventilation, and appropriate air leakage at an airway pressure of 15-20 cm H2O. Number of attempts of intubation and the largest endotracheal tube size were recorded. Results: The average age, weight and height of patients were 22.40±4.85 months, 9.88±1.28 kg, 72.40±24.50 cm respectively. The average RAE endotracheal tube size and frequency of intubation trials were 4.25±0.78 and 1.62±0.70, respectively. 6 cases required RAE endotracheal tube size smaller than the recommended size. Conclusions: In cleft lip and plate child, the predicted RAE endotracheal tube size was similar to standard normal child tube size. Smaller RAE tube size was required for subglottic stenosis.

Need for Tympanostomy Tubes in Children With Recurrent Acute Otitis Media Without Middle Ear Effusion.

Children with recurrent acute otitis media (RAOM) presenting without middle ear effusion (MEE) do not meet indications for surgical intervention as outlined by Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs). The objective of this study was to determine which patients presenting with RAOM without MEE ultimately received tympanostomy tubes. Case series. Single academic pediatric otolaryngology clinic. Children (0-12 years) presenting with RAOM and no MEE were identified from October 2017 to December 2019. As per CPGs, no surgery was offered initially. Patients were given a semiurgent return appointment should they experience another suspected otitis media episode. If MEE was observed, tympanostomy tube insertion was offered. Patients were followed for 1-year following enrollment. One-hundred and twenty-four patients were included. The median age was 3.15 years old (interquartile range: 4.10). Seventy-five (60%) patients did not require additional follow-up and thus did not require tympanostomy tubes. Forty-nine (40%) patients were seen again; of these, 11 patients received tympanostomy tubes. Therefore, of patients presenting with no MEE, 91% did not require tympanostomy tubes. Patients who had surgery were younger on initial assessment than those who did not (mean difference 2.68 years, 95% confidence interval: 2.14-3.23). This study demonstrates the practical effect of adhering to CPGs for RAOM and suggests that many children may not require tympanostomy tube placement within the 1st year after the consultation if they did not initially present with MEE.

How many tests does it take? Minimizing preoperative testing prior to surgical placement of gastrostomy tubes in children.

Gastrostomy tubes (GTs) provide life-saving enteral access for children. Although upper gastrointestinal (UGI) series and impedance studies (ISs) detect gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or malrotation, their benefit for preoperative evaluation of asymptomatic patients requiring GT placement is controversial. This study investigated the value of routine preoperative testing and whether specific patient characteristics could guide the selective use of these studies. The charts of children who underwent GT placement from 2003 to 2019 were reviewed retrospectively. Demographics, preoperative evaluation, and postoperative course were evaluated. Three hundred forty-three patients underwent GT placement, 61% with preoperative testing. Seven of 190 UGI (4%) series demonstrated malrotation, and 39 of 141 (28%) ISs revealed severe GERD. Although all malrotations were surgically addressed, only 59% (23/39) of IS-proven GERD cases prompted simultaneous fundoplication. Age <1 year was associated with a positive UGI series (6.7% positive vs 1.0%; P < 0.05), but no other patient characteristics were associated with either positive UGI series or IS. Elimination of the 96% of UGI series that did not alter care represented a cost savings of $89,487-$229,665 and avoided the radiation exposure from testing; elimination of the 84% of ISs that did not alter eventual treatment would have saved $127,776-$266,563. Routine preoperative evaluation with UGI series and IS can increase healthcare costs without substantially altering care. The only patients potentially benefiting from routine UGI series were <1 year old. Instead, a targeted, symptom-based preoperative evaluation may streamline the process by decreasing preoperative testing and minimizing cost and radiation exposure.

Effectiveness of baloon dilation of Eustachian tube in children with otitis media with effusion

To evaluate the effectiveness and possibilities of its increasing in balloon dilation of the auditory tube in children with chronic otitis media with effusion. 34 children with chronic otitis media with effusion were under observation, who underwent 54 operations using a balloon catheter for the auditory tubes. The mismatch between the pressure value and the baloon diameter has been experimentally shown, and therefore a technique for intraoperative control of the effectiveness of the procedure has been developed. The effectiveness of balloon dilation in the study was 30.8-64.3%, depending on the following factors: the stage of otitis media at which the treatment was carried out, the combination of balloon dilation with tympanostomy, the use of intraoperative efficiency control technique. The high safety of the operation and the possibility of its effective implementation in patients with an operated cleft-palate are shown.

Complications of Gastrostomy and Gastrojejunostomy: The Prevalence in Children.

This study aimed to provide an overview of the prevalence of the complications of a gastrostomy or a gastrojejunostomy with a low-profile gastric tube in children. The study also examined the effect of presence of the gastrostomy tube on the prevalence of complications. In this cross-sectional study, parents were invited to complete an online questionnaire. Children aged 0-16 years with a low-profile gastrostomy or gastrojejunostomy tube were included in the study. A total of 67 complete surveys were conducted. The mean age of the included children was seven years. The most common complications during the past week, were skin irritation (35.8%), abdominal pain (34.3%), and the formation of granulation tissue (29.9%). The most common complications during the past six months were skin irritation (47.8%), vomiting (43.4%), and abdominal pain (38.8%). Most complications occurred within the first year after gastrojejunostomy placement and gradually decreased as the duration since the placement of the gastrojejunostomy tube increased. The prevalence of severe complications was rare. Parental confidence in caring for the gastrostomy positively correlated with increases in the duration of the gastrostomy tube. Even so, parental confidence in the care of the gastrostomy tube was reduced in some parents more than a year after its placement. The prevalence of gastrojejunostomy complications in children is relatively high. The incidences of severe complications after the placement of a gastrojejunostomy tube were rare in this study. A lack of confidence in the care of the gastrostomy tube was noted in some parents more than a year after its placement.

Can removal of cuff of cuffed endotracheal tube be a suitable substitute for uncuffed endotracheal tube in children?

Can removal of cuff of cuffed endotracheal tube be a suitable substitute for uncuffed endotracheal tube in children?