A method of gastric wall fixation using an absorbable suture that does not require the removal of stitches

Abstract

Objectives: To ensure safe and reliable gastrostomy creation and use, gastric wall fixation is mandatory in our hospital. To shorten the hospitalization period, we developed a gastric wall fixation method (implantation method) that omits suture removal after 3 weeks.

Results: From February 2015 to April 2024, 143 patients (60 males and 83 females) underwent implantation. The mean age was 79.3 years (45-97). The average implantation time was 16.6 minutes. The mean hospital stay after gastrostomy implantation was 16.4 days. The mean hospital stay after gastrostomy with gastric wall fixation using the Funada device was 21.1 days, showing a notable reduction in stay duration.

Conclusions: Gastric wall fixation by implantation is a safe and rapid procedure. It may be useful in reducing hospitalization time.