Safety and Efficacy of Endoscopic Assisted Push Gastrostomy Using Gastrostomy Technique

Most pediatric gastroenterologists use an endoscopic pull technique to place gastrostomy tubes. We assessed an endoscopic gastropexy technique for gastrostomy tube placement that allows immediate placement of a low profile gastrostomy tube or gastro-jejunostomy tube. The procedure involves endoscopy with the placement of three T-fasteners that are placed through the skin into the stomach, placating and securing the stomach to the abdominal wall. This attachment process promotes formation of a stable gastrostomy tract, facilitating an immediate placement of a low profile gastrostomy button or gastro-jejunostomy tube. Serial dilators are then used to obtain the desired diameter of the ostomy for the tube placement. The gastropexy technique is most often associated with laparoscopic procedures involving gastric volvulus or complicated GERD, but little has been published investigating the outcomes of pediatric gastrostomy tube placement with the use of the gastropexy technique.