Abstract
Aim: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy has become a common technique to provide nutritional support for neurologically impaired patients. However, this procedure is sometimes associated with serious complications. We report a novel method of laparoscope-assisted percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (Lap-assisted PEG).
Patients and methods: Lap-assisted PEG was performed in 6 patients, 5 neurologically impaired patients and 1 post cerebral infarction patient, aged from 5 to 75 years. Indications for this procedure were as follows, anatomical abnormalities of the stomach due to scoliosis in 4; anterior location of the transverse colon to the stomach in one; post operative state after laparoscopic fundoplication in one.
Results:One periumbillical port for camera and one or two working ports were inserted. In 5 patients, gastrostomy tube was inserted with anterior gastropexy. The operation time was ranged from 60 to 190 min. The procedures were performed safely and successfully in all patients. Gastrostomy feeding was started 2 to 6 days after operation. There were no perioperative and postoperative complications.
Conclusion: Lap-assisted PEG is a feasible technique for neurologically impaired patients.
