Gastrostomy

Gastrostomy: everything you need to know

Gastrostomy is a surgical operation that involves creating an artificial external gastric fistula. It is performed to ensure direct entry of food and liquid into the stomach when swallowing is impossible due to any disease or obstruction of the esophagus.

When is gastrostomy necessary?

A gastrostomy may be required when a patient is unable to swallow food and liquids as a result of certain diseases or conditions, such as esophageal cancer, nervous system diseases, pharyngeal diseases, enlarged thyroid gland, esophageal obstruction, and others. Gastrostomy may also be performed temporarily after surgery on the esophagus to facilitate the healing process.

Traditional gastrostomy

Previously, gastrostomy was always performed surgically. The surgeon usually makes a small incision in the abdomen and creates an opening in the stomach. A special tube is then inserted through this hole and held in place by a metal plate. After the operation, the patient will need to stay in the hospital for several days to avoid complications.

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG)

Currently, it is possible to perform gastrostomy using an endoscope. This procedure is called percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG). It is performed using a special endoscope, which is inserted through the mouth and then down into the stomach. Next, a small incision is made in the abdomen through which a tube is inserted, which is secured in place with a metal plate. This procedure usually takes about 30-40 minutes and is performed under local anesthesia.

Advantages of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy has several advantages over traditional gastrostomy. Firstly, it is less invasive and is usually performed in a day hospital setting. Secondly, it has a lower risk of complications and allows patients to recover faster after surgery. In addition, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy may be performed in patients who are medically unable to undergo surgery.

Features of the postoperative period

After the procedure, the patient must follow certain rules to avoid complications and ensure proper wound healing. During the first few days after surgery, the patient may be prescribed a diet consisting of liquid and semi-liquid foods to reduce the strain on the new opening in the stomach. After this, as the wound heals, the patient can gradually begin to increase the amount and type of food.

It is also important to maintain good hygiene around the tube site and change dressings regularly to avoid infection. The patient should also check the tube regularly for blockages or other problems.

Finally

Gastrostomy is an important procedure that can be life-saving for patients who are unable to swallow food and liquids. Traditional gastrostomy and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) are the two main methods of performing this procedure. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy has several advantages over traditional gastrostomy, including faster recovery and lower risk of complications. However, like any operation, gastrostomy can have risks and complications, so it should only be performed for medical reasons and under the supervision of qualified specialists.

Gastrostomy is an artificial surgical fistula, through which permanent or temporary nutrition is delivered to the stomach. It connects the organ with the external environment. In addition to therapeutic purposes, such an intestinal tube can be used as a source of nutrition due to the patient’s disability. Stagnation in the gastrointestinal tract leads to various organ dysfunctions.

Gastrostomy – surgical placement of a tube inside the stomach

Gastrostomy is a surgical method of ensuring food enters the stomach through a fistula that is created in its wall. After this surgery, patients can receive food through a plastic tube or tube inside the body that is attached to the fistula. This is one of the most common treatments for restricting food intake when necessary.

Indications for gastrostomy - Presence of various swallowing disorders; - Formation of a hole in the stomach caused by injuries, tumors, ulcers, mechanical obstruction. Accompanied by disruption and passage of food inside; - Interrupted flow of food through the esophagus due to pacemakers and other medical devices; - Insufficient development and restructuring of the digestive tract in newborns; - For feeding through a gastric fistula. For all diseases of the stomach, a gastrotomy can be performed. Therefore, it may seem that this treatment method is ineffective. However, depending on the patient's condition, it can provide significant assistance with regular nutrition. In particular cases, it is possible to limit the development of gastrostomy in some patients with intestinal fistulas. Thus, a gastrostomy tube can serve to move food while avoiding the formation of a loop under the stomach (Solinger-Ellison syndrome). The operation is best performed under local anesthesia. Ideally, the patient requires a psychological examination, consultation with specialists and hygiene instructions. The operation is performed after examining the patient and establishing the extent of the disease. Gastrotomy is made with special instruments made of brass, special steel and titanium, the wound is treated with antiseptic solutions, the suture does not require further treatment. An unpleasant process is postoperative pain in the area around the fistula. Gradually it stops. Headache is also the result of pain in the fistula and gastrointestinal tract. Pain in the muscles of the neck and back often occurs for a short period after the procedure. They pass on their own. For decreasing