Log in to MyKarger to check if you already have access to this content.

Background: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a useful option for long-term enteral nutrition. Low-profile gastrostomy tubes (“buttons”) may afterwards be placed in the stomach through the abdominal wall following maturation of the pre-existing ostomy. Regular verification is essential, since inadequate sizing is associated with accidental exteriorization or food leakage. We aimed to evaluate gastrostomy buttons diameter or length variations on the first year after their placement and possible factors associated with these variations. Methods: We analyzed consecutive PEGs between 2016 and 2018. A minimum follow-up of 12 after gastrostomy button placement was required. Diameter or length variations were assessed in a specialized PEG appointment during the follow-up period. Results: Final sample included 94 patients, from which 65 (69.1%) women and 29 (30.9%) men, with a mean age of 76.9±13.3 years. Measurements variations occurred in 44 (46.8%) patients. Diameter variation was significantly more frequent in patients living in a nursing home (OR=5.43; 95%CI=1.32-22.27; p=0.019), patients with previous PEG tube dislodgement (OR=3.84; 95%CI=1.21-12.20; p=0.023), and male patients (OR=3.50; 95%CI=1.06-11.49, p=0.039). Length variation occurred more frequently in patients with a weight change during the follow up period greater than 5 kilograms (OR=3.71; 95%CI=1.14-12.05; p=0.029). Conclusions: A significant proportion of patients with gastrostomy buttons required a change in their measurements, especially if male, living in nursing homes, having significant weight changes or accidental tube exteriorization. This emphasizes the importance of having a specialized PEG appointment to regularly assure the best fitted button for each patient and ultimately guarantee an adequate nutritional intake.

S. Karger AG, Basel