A simple and inexpensive method of removal or replacement of gastrostomy tubes
J. Korula and C. Harma
Liver Unit, University of Southern California School of Medicine, Rancho Los Amigos Medical Center, Downey 90242.
The safety of removal or replacement of gastrostomy tubes by simply cutting
the tube and allowing the inner components to be eliminated intestinally
was prospectively studied in 64 patients. In only one patient was the
internal component lodged at the pylorus; it required endoscopic removal.
Abdominal radiographs obtained in 57 patients confirmed complete
elimination of internal percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy components in
48 patients (84%) and identified these components in the colon in eight
(14%). In two patients, the internal components were identified in the
stool, and in one, radiographs were not obtained. Six patients who did not
have abdominal radiographs had no problems during a mean follow-up period
of 153.3 +/- 37.2 days. This simple method is safe, inexpensive, can be
offered to the large majority of patients with percutaneous endoscopic
gastrostomy tubes, and avoids the need for endoscopic removal.
