Gastroenteric fistula complicating percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy

J Pediatr Surg. 2004 Apr;39(4):561-4. doi: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2003.12.018.

Abstract

Background: Gastroenteric fistula occurs in 2% to 3% of patients undergoing percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG). The authors identified 12 children with this major complication.

Methods: A retrospective case note review was performed.

Results: Over a 5-year period, the complication rate for gastroenteric fistula was 3.5% (12 of 343 procedures). Presentation ranged from 1 day to 25 months post-PEG insertion. Eight patients presented with acute intestinal obstruction. The gastroenteric fistulous tract involved the posterior wall of the stomach in all cases. The plain abdominal x-ray was useful in establishing the diagnosis of the gastroenteric fistula.

Conclusions: Patients with gastroenteric fistula as a complication of PEG insertion can remain asymptomatic for prolonged periods. It often is difficult to make the diagnosis. A plain abdominal x-ray is a useful diagnostic modality.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cerebral Palsy / complications
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Colonic Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Colonic Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Colonic Diseases / etiology
  • Colonic Diseases / surgery
  • Deglutition Disorders / etiology
  • Deglutition Disorders / therapy
  • Failure to Thrive / etiology
  • Failure to Thrive / therapy
  • Female
  • Gastric Fistula / diagnostic imaging
  • Gastric Fistula / epidemiology*
  • Gastric Fistula / etiology
  • Gastric Fistula / surgery
  • Gastroscopy*
  • Gastrostomy*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Intestinal Fistula / diagnostic imaging
  • Intestinal Fistula / epidemiology*
  • Intestinal Fistula / etiology
  • Intestinal Fistula / surgery
  • Intestinal Obstruction / epidemiology
  • Intestinal Obstruction / etiology
  • Male
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnostic imaging
  • Postoperative Complications / epidemiology*
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology
  • Postoperative Complications / surgery
  • Radiography
  • Retrospective Studies