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When critically ill patients require long-term enteral nutrition, insertion of a feeding tube is indicated. The method of choice is percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement, known in everyday clinical practice as a PEG tube or simply PEG. When performed in a standardized manner and with consideration of contraindications, PEG placement is a less invasive and well-established standard of care in the ICU., Competing Interests: Die Autorinnen/Autoren geben an, dass kein Interessenkonflikt besteht., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) insertion represents a standardized procedure for enteral nutrition in patients with long-term eating difficulties for various reasons. In a clinical setting, delegation of stomach puncture and placement of a PEG tube, within the context of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy amongst nurses, occurs. In Germany, there are no studies yet showing the differences between physicians and nurses regarding the safety of percutaneous stomach puncture.In a non-randomized quasi-experimental interventional study on a simulation model, the safety of stomach puncture within the context of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy between physicians and nurses with special training was compared. Technical skills were recorded with video cameras and provided the basis for the following analysis. The study contained: (1) a theoretical preparation phase, (2) training on simulation model and a repeated practice of the skills, and (3) stomach puncture on the simulation model. The actions were recorded with a multichannel video technique. As part of the concept, nurses and physicians were trained together in theory and practice. The analysis was conducted with the newly designed Assessment Instrument Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (AS-PEG). Seven physicians and 17 nurses took part in the pilot study. On average, the physicians reached a score of 36.4 ± 2.2 (33 - 39) and nurses 37.4 ± 2 (32 - 40), while the maximum score was 42. The evaluation of technical skills on the recorded videos by means of Assessment Instrument Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (AS-PEG) showed no tendency to significant differences between physicians and nurses after theoretical and practical training. The study contributes a first objective evaluation of technical skills on stomach puncture within the context of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy with the newly designed AS-PEG., Competing Interests: Die Pilotstudie wurde durch die Deutsche Gesellschaft für Endoskopiefachberufe (DEGEA) unterstützt. Diese erhielt Unterstützung der Firmen KARL STORZ GmbH & Co. KG und Fresenius Kabi Deutschland GmbH.Prof. Dr. Grund: Vertrag über wissenschaftliche Beratung mit der Firma Fresenius-Kabi. Alle andere Autoren haben keine Interessenkonflikte., (© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

The technique of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) was introduced in 1979 as a semi-invasive approach for children with the need for a gastric fistula in order to avoid an operative intervention. The suture pull-through method was rapidly established and is now omnipresent. Because scientific evidence is broadly missing, there is some uncertainty about the indications in geriatric medicine. Guidelines do not recommend the insertion of a PEG in patients with severe dementia and malnutrition. Tube feeding is mainly recommended as a temporary method for patients who cannot take oral nutrition for more than 3 days or for whom the energy intake for more than 10 days presumably covers less than 50% of their needs, assuming that the overall prognosis is reasonable. Insertion of a PEG is only recommended if artificial nutrition is expected to be necessary for more than 3-4 weeks or if a nasogastric tube is not tolerated.

Introduction In general surgery, open abdomen treatment (OAT) is used to treat abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) and sepsis, often after a primary surgical procedure associated with complications. The results achieved in this patient population may depend on factors that are yet unknown. This study evaluates independent patient-related prognostic factors after OAT. Methods 38 clinical parameters and survival data of 165 consecutive general surgery patients after OAT were entered into a prospective database according to a defined algorithm in order to analyse the underlying surgical pathology, predictors of survival and important aspects of OAT-related morbidity. Independent predictors of survival, OAT-related morbidity and duration of hospital stay were identified. Results Common indications for OAT were peritonitis, haemorrhage and ACS. Median age was 60 years and > 80 % of patients were ASA III/IV; median follow-up was 23 months. Oncologic surgery was performed in 19 % of cases. 30-day and 1-year mortality was 11 % and 34 %, respectively. Malignancy was a negative predictor (OR: 4.63, 95 % CI: 2.00-10.7) while mild obesity (BMI 25-35) and primary fascial closure, which was achieved in 82 % of patients, improved survival (OR: 0.2, 95 % CI: 0.07-0.55; OR: 0.19, 95 % CI: 0.06-0.57). Enteroatmospheric fistula (EAF) and giant hernia with impossible fascial closure were frequent after OAT (19 and 18 %), and malignancy was an independent risk factor for EAF (OR 3.47, CI [95 %]: 1.41-8.53). Vacuum-assisted wound closure or polyglactin mesh interposition did not affect EAF incidence. Conclusions General surgery patients after OAT differ significantly from trauma patients, and mortality as well as long-term morbidity is high. Outcome is greatly determined by independent patient-related factors after OAT. A tailored surgical approach based on objective evidence is needed to further improve the results after OAT., Competing Interests: Interessenkonflikt: Nein., (Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

Background: Pancreaticojejunostomy and pancreaticogastrostomy are the two techniques for pancreatic anastomosis that are widely established for the reconstruction after pancreaticoduodenectomy. Pancreaticogastrostomy is the most recent and to date less frequently performed method, the history, techniques and indications of which are presented., Method: Review of the literature and current evidence., Results: Current evidence from randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses does not demonstrate significant differences in complication rates or pancreatic function after pancreaticogastrostomy versus pancreaticojejunostomy., Conclusion: Pancreaticogastrostomy is the technically less demanding procedure, offering at least the same level of safety as pancreaticojejunostomy. Minimally invasive and parenchyma-sparing procedures provide new areas of application for this anastomotic technique.

Background: Enteral nutrition is vital for patients with inadequate or absent oral food intake, as it can help to avoid catabolic metabolism. Enteral feeding can be secured by placing a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube (PEG-tube) which is an approved method. Several clinical studies could verify the superiority of this procedure compared to other options. Even though PEG-tube placement is regarded as less invasive surgery, a considerable rate of complications is reported in literature., Material/methods: Here, we report a retrospective analysis of PEG-tube placements in the Bonn University Hospital from January 2005 to December 2012., Results: Overall, 641 PEG-tubes were placed with a complication rate of 9.4 %, which can be further divided in 5.5 % minor complications (mic) and 3.9 % major complications (mac). Two cases of death occurred in the context of PEG-tube placement. Endoscopically inserted PEG-tubes showed a complication rate of 8.6 % (4.8 % mic, 3.8 % mac). 63.2 % of mac consisted of perforations, 15.8 % of intra-abdominal abscesses and 15.8 % of buried bumper syndromes. The complication rate of CT-guided placement of PEG-tubes was 38.9 % (27.8 % mic, 11.1 % mac). In this group, all mac were perforations. Surgical PEG-tube placement was accompanied by no mac and 7.7 % mic., Conclusion: The amount of complications during PEG-tube placement is remarkable, therefore the indication of this procedure must be contemplated critically and careful follow-up is crucial., (Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

Background: Carcinoma of ampulla of Vater are rare tumours of the GI-tract with an improved prognosis compared to other periampullary tumours. Analysis of survival and prognostic factors are limited due to the low incidence of the carcinoma. The intention of this study in patients with papillary carcinoma was to evaluate short- and long-term survival and to identify prognostic factors for pancreatectomy and reconstruction using pancreatogastrostomy as treatment of carcinoma of Vater's ampulla., Patients and Methods: Between 1989 and 2008 76 patients with a carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater were treated by oncological resection followed by pancreatogastrostomy. Various factors such as demographics, perioperative factors, histopathological findings as well as short- and long-term survival were evaluated retrospectively. Data were analysed statistically using Kaplan-Meier estimates of survival with log-rank test and uni- and multivariate analysis with Cox regression., Results: The overall 5-year survival was 46 %, the 10-year survival 26 % for resected patients. By univariate analysis we could demonstrate that lymph node metastasis is the only predictor for outcome. In the multivariate analysis, age, sex, grading and especially lymph node status were a significant predictor for the survival of patients., Conclusion: In the current patient cohort lymph node status was the most important independent predictor of outcome after resection of carcinoma of Vater's papilla., (Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

Background: The surgical treatment of pancreatic head tumours is one of the most complex procedures in general surgery. In contrast to colorectal surgery, minimally-invasive techniques are not very commonly applied in pancreatic surgery. Both the delicate dissection along peri- and retropancreatic vessels and the extrahepatic bile ducts and subsequent reconstruction are very demanding with rigid standard laparoscopic instruments. The 4-arm robotic surgery system with angled instruments, unidirectional movement of instruments with adjustable transmission, tremor elimination and a stable, surgeon-controlled 3D-HD view is a promising platform to overcome the limitations of standard laparoscopic surgery regarding precise dissection and reconstruction in pancreatic surgery., Indication: Pancreatic head resection for mixed-type IPMN of the pancreatic head., Procedure: Robot-assisted, minimally-invasive pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (Kausch-Whipple procedure)., Conclusion: The robotic approach is particularly suited for complex procedures such as pylorus-preserving pancreatic head resections. The fully robotic Kausch-Whipple procedure is technically feasible and safe. The advantages of the robotic system are apparent in the delicate dissection near vascular structures, in lymph node dissection, the precise dissection of the uncinate process and, especially, bile duct and pancreatic anastomosis., (Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy represents a standard for long-term enteral nutrition. In our detailed instructions indications and contra-indications of the method are listed and the correct procedure is explained step-by-step., (© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

Background: Resection of the esophagus is an invasive 2-cavitiy procedure which requires special anesthesiological expertise during perioperative care. Furthermore, in surgery new minimally invasive techniques are continually being established which place special challenges on the treatment team because the anesthesiologist is decisively involved in the course of surgery., Aim: The aim of this article is to present the development of surgical treatment options for esophageal cancer starting from classical open resection up to the minimally invasive technique of esophagectomy (MIE). Previous experience with MIE on a cohort of patients is presented and the special anesthesiological characteristics of this innovative technique are illustrated., Material and Methods: In the department for general, visceral and transplantation surgery of the University Medical Center of Mainz, minimally invasive abdominothoracic esophageal resection has been carried out since 2010. High thoracic anastomization was performed using the EEA™-OrVil™ system operated by the anesthesiologist. Currently 17 highly selected patients have been surgically treated using this technique., Results: Esophagogastric anastomosis with the EEA™-OrVil™ system was feasible in all patients. Transoral introduction of the gastric probe with the connecting sheath and the angled anvil led to minor dislocation of the double lumen tube in only one patient and could immediately be corrected. Further intraoperative complications did not occur. Four of the 17 patients developed pneumonia which could be controlled by intravenous antibiotics. None of the patients had to be reintubated. One patient developed gastric tube necrosis and died 51 days postoperatively due to massive intracerebral hemorrhage. There were no complications of anastomoses following OrVil™ anastomization. In all patients an R0 resection could be achieved., Conclusion: Minimally invasive esophagectomy with transoral anastomization appears to be an enrichment of the minimally invasive spectrum as interdisciplinary cooperation leads to reduced operation time and a more efficient process of anastomization. This also results in decreased one-lung ventilation time which is directly correlated to postoperative pulmonary complications. In particular, the interdisciplinary character of this technique and the necessity for targeted communication proved to be of assistance also in other situations.

Standardized management of oncology patients necessarily includes screening for nutritional risk. Weight loss of > 5 kg within 3 months and diminished food intake are warning signals even in overweight patients. In case oral nutrition is neither adequate nor feasible even by fortification or oral nutritional supplements, the implantation of a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) or fine needle catheter jejunostomy (FNCJ) offers enteral access for long-term nutritional support. Although the indications derive from fulfilling caloric needs, endoscopic or operative measures are not considered to be an urgent or even emergency measure. The endoscopist or surgeon should be fully aware and informed of the indications and make a personal assessment of the situation. The implantation of a feeding tube requires informed consent of the patient or legal surrogates. The review summarizes recent indications, technical problems and complications.

Pancreatic pseudocysts are frequent complications following acute and chronic pancreatitis as well as abdominal trauma. They originate from enzymatic and/or necrotizing processes within the organ involving the surrounding tissues through inflammatory processes following pancreatic ductal lesion(s). Pseudocysts require definitive treatment if they become symptomatic, progressive, larger than 5 cm after a period of more than 6 weeks and/or have complications. Cystic neoplasms must be excluded before treatment. Endoscopic interventions are commonly accepted first line approaches. Should these fail or not be feasible surgical procedures have been well established and show comparable results. In summary, pancreatic pseudocysts require a reliable diagnostic approach with a multidisciplinary professional management involving gastroenterologists and surgeons.

Introduction: The pancreatic anastomosis seems to be the most difficult and dangerous anastomosis in general surgery, especially in a soft pancreas. Many techniques have been described. The techniques most often used are: anastomosis of the pancreas to the jejunum as a pancreatico-jejunostomy (duct-to-mucosa anastomosis) or as a pancreato-jejunostomy (invaginating anastomosis). Another widely used anastomosis for reconstruction after pancreatic head resection is from the stomach to the pancreas, i.e., pancreato-gastrostomy. In literature the data concerning postoperative complications (pancreatic fistula, postoperative bleeding and others) are not consistent., Indications: Reconstruction after pancreatic head resection., Procedure: Anastomosis between small intestine or stomach and the pancreas., Conclusion: There is no gold standard for pancreatic anastomosis. Thus, of the different commonly used techniques, in our opinion, the best technique for each surgeon seems to be the one that he/she is most familiar with., (Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

Ductal adenocarcinoma is the most frequent malignant tumor of the pancreas and total resection of the pancreatic tumor is still the only curative treatment option. Most tumors are located in the pancreatic head, therefore, pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple PPPD) is the oncological standard procedure. By concentrating pancreatic resections in specialized centers for pancreatic surgery perioperative mortality and morbidity has decreased in recent years. However, pancreatic resections remain complex and difficult operations and pancreatic anastomosis is particular challenging. To achieve complete resection (R0) resection and reconstruction of large venous vessels is often necessary. Resection of arterial vessels is rarely performed and usually does not lead to an R0 resection of the tumor. Currently adjuvant chemotherapy after total tumor resection is standard of care for all tumor stages but neoadjuvant regimes have recently been reported increasingly more often. Advances in translational research has led to a better understanding of tumor biology and new diagnostic options and therapies are expected in the near future.

Advances in pancreatic surgery during the last two decades have resulted in significant improvement of patient outcome leading to mortality rates as low as 3-5% following Whipple's procedure in specialized centers. However, morbidity remains considerably high at 30-50% which is primarily caused by insufficiency of the pancreato-enteric anastomosis which becomes manifested as a pancreatic fistula. Therefore, numerous studies have aimed to identify the ideal pancreatic anastomosis. The most frequently used techniques comprise end-to-end duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy, end-to-end invagination pancreatojejunostomy as well as end-to-side pancreatogastrostomy. In randomized controlled trials the frequency of pancreatic fistulas ranges between 4% and 20% depending on the particular technique. However, no single technique was able to demonstrate a significant superiority in several independent studies. The heterogeneity of definitions for pancreatic fistula represents the main problem in evaluating and comparing clinical studies on pancreato-enteric anastomosis. However, recent clinical trials applied commonly accepted definitions for pancreatic fistula as well as precise study endpoints to address the question of the ideal pancreatic anastomosis.

The new surgical concept of "natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery" (NOTES) breaks with the old dogma that gastrointestinal flexible endoscopy should be performed exclusively within the gastrointestinal lumen. It guides flexible endoscopy into the peritoneal cavity and to date any access to this was and is a feared complication. NOTES offers a new potential alternative to open surgery as well as laparoscopic surgery. Technical challenges of this new technique include the need for the development of new tools and devices. This is most important for the access to and closure of incisions to the peritoneal and thoracic cavities. The successful incision and closure is a prerequisite for the development of acceptable indications for this new method. In this overview the access and closure techniques currently used as well as some of those which are being considered will be described. Furthermore, possible indications for NOTES will be evaluated and discussed.

Background: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) has been classified to date as a high-risk procedure (ASGE guidelines). Coagulopathies, thrombocyte aggregation inhibitors (Aspirin, clopidogrel etc.) and phenprocoumone or warfarin are considered to be contraindications. The study examined for the first time the risk factors in patients with and without concurrent anticoagulation., Methods: Between 2001 and 2007 PEGs were placed in 450 patients with neurological diseases at the University Hospital for General and Visceral Surgery in Freiburg and studied prospectively during hospitalization. The patients were divided into 3 groups: group 1 controls (n=50, no anticoagulation), group 2 low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) prophylaxis (n=152) and group 3 therapeutic anticoagulation (unfractionated heparin, phenprocoumone, therapeutic LMWH, aspirin, clopidorel and combinations, n=248). Univariate analyses were performed to determine risk factors for the occurrence of infection, bleeding and peritonitis. The p-values (p), odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) are given., Results: The average hospitalization time was 27.4 days (range 1-268 days) and hospital mortality was 6%. There were no cases of death due to the PEG. Complications included peristomal infections (n=30, 6.6%) and peritonitis (n=6, 1.3%). Post-PEG bleeding did not occur either with or without anticoagulation. The investigated risk factors showed no statistically significant values with respect to prognosis for these complications. Multivariate testing could not be carried out due to the low number of complications., Conclusion: Complications of PEG placement with the method used here are rare. An increased risk of bleeding during therapeutic anticoagulation was not observed. In our opinion the present data indicate that PEG placement can be carried out in selected patients with increased risk of thromboembolism without discontinuation of anticoagulation.

Background: Skin-level gastrostomy devices have been established to maintain enteral nutrition in clinical practice. Unfortunately there is still a need for a second intervention to place the secondary system. The combination of a new introducer technique with endoscopic controlled gastropexy for PEG and the primary placement of a button system leads to a safe stomal fixation of the balloon device. The aim of this study was to evaluate for the first time the safety of this combined approach., Methods: Between 2000 and 2005 five patients were treated with this new technique and received a single-step button gastrostomy. All patients were followed with a standardised protocol., Results: No major complications were seen during follow-up. The system could be removed within 6 - 18 weeks without any problems., Conclusions: On the basis of our first experience we conclude that by combination of the three techniques, introducer PEG with gastropexy, Seldinger wire, and balloon-type button, a single-step button gastrostomy can be safely performed., (Copyright Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart. New York.)

Objectives: Patients with dysphagia whose food intake is inadequate and who may compromise their airways need to receive nasogastric (NG) or gastrostomic (PEG) feeding. There are controversial discussions about the best time for intervention and the best method. Each approach has its advantages and disadvantages. Further research is required to assess the optimum method of treating patients with dysphagia. A retrospective study was undertaken to investigate the influence of functional dysphagia therapy with or without PEG feeding., Methods: A total of 164 patients with dysphagia were investigated in a center for geriatric medicine (EGZB) within one year. Patients were divided into two groups: those with PEG (group 1, n=59) and those without (group 2, n=105). Both groups received functional training (training of oral motor skills and sensation, compensatory swallowing techniques) by speech-language therapists.Geriatric basic assessment was used. Speech-language therapists also evaluated language, speech and swallowing disorders pre- and post-training. Diet modification for oral intake altering viscosity and texture of foods and liquids was used. Additional data on the time between being admitted to hospital and receiving a PEG tube, the hospitalization period, the number of complications and mortality were collected., Results: Both groups benefited from functional dysphagia therapy. The patients of group 2 showed a significant improvement in functional oral intake post-treatment. In most of the cases, diet modification improved from pasty consistency to firm meals. Swallowing abilities were much better than those of the more severely disabled patients of group 1. Group 1 still needed PEG feeding post-treatment but could also take in some food orally. However even the patients of group 1 showed a significant increase in functional oral intake.Group 2 also showed significantly stronger improvements in communication abilities and speech intelligibility after training compared to the severely disabled patients of group 1.In terms of the clinical outcome of group 1 it was demonstrated that the sooner a PEG was placed, the more significantly functional oral intake improved. The results of a multiple regression analysis showed a small but nevertheless significant association between an early supply of PEG and improvement of functional oral intake which had been achieved by functional dysphagia therapy.Significantly more complications and significantly higher mortality occurred in group 1 (PEG feeding) compared to group 2 (exclusively oral feeding)., Conclusion: The treatment of dysphagia in the elderly requires a multi-professional setting, differentiated assessment and functional training of oral motor skills and sensation and swallowing techniques. Compared to patients with severe dysphagia, however, patients with mild to moderate dysphagia benefit most from functional training. The results reveal the importance of precise and early diagnosis of swallowing disorders in order to introduce PEG supply early in cases of persistent dysphagia.

A broad spectrum of different techniques for anastomosing the pancreatic remnant after the Kausch-Whipple procedure has been published. Most commonly used is the pancreaticojejunostomy, preferably in an end-to-side and duct-to-mucosa fashion. Utilisation of the posterior gastric wall represents an interesting alternative, which is being increasingly discussed in the literature. Two current meta-analyses and three prospective, randomised trials have proved the comparability of the two procedures. Accordingly, our own data show corresponding results regarding mortality and morbidity using this anastomosis. We personally prefer a purse-string suture for fixation of the pancreatic remnant, which seems to be more easily and more rapidly performed than application of interrupted sutures.

Aggressive tumor biology is the main characteristic of pancreatic cancer, in Germany the fourth leading cause of cancer death for females and the fifth leading cause for males. Due to late occurrence of symptoms and aggressive tumor growth, pancreatic cancer has equal incidence and mortality. Most malignant pancreatic tumours are ductal adenocarcinomas (85%). Surgical resection is the main therapeutic modality for pancreatic cancer, even though only a fraction of patients can undergo complete resection. Prognosis of pancreatic cancer remains poor even in completely resected patients; however, multimodal regimes might improve prognosis. Additionally, advances in surgical technique and perioperative management have reduced operative mortality and morbidity, especially in high-volume centers.

Enteral nutrition in patients is a well established procedure. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy has been widely used to maintain long-term enteral nutrition and has become the method of choice. Under careful observation of indication, contraindication and technique the risk of complication of PEG is reduced drastically. The enteral nutrition via PEG is a step of the multimodal treatment in critically ill patients.

Purpose: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) and percutaneous radiologic gastrostomy (PRG) are the standard methods of ensuring long-term enteral food intake in patients with dysphagia caused by neoplasia or neurological disorders. High-grade obstructions of the upper digestive tract or inadequate transillumination can prevent PEG. CT-guided percutaneous gastrostomy (PG) represents a special technique for enabling gastrostomy in patients for whom the endoscopic method is impossible. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results and complications of CT-guided percutaneous gastrostomy., Materials and Methods: CT-guided PG was performed in 83 patients, mostly with malignancy of the upper respiratory or digestive tract. Medical records for these patients were reviewed, and the results and complications of the CT-guided PG were analyzed retrospectively. Complications were grouped into four categories: Major and minor complications as well as early and late complications., Results: In 95.2 % of all cases (79/83), CT-guided PG was successful in the first attempt. Within the first 3 days, 5 major complications including 4 tube dislocations and one case of peritonitis were found in 4/79 patients (5.1 %). One of these patients experienced two early major complications. Early minor complications, mainly local skin irritations and temporary stomach ache, were observed in 31 patients (39.2 %). Three days after CT-guided PG, 4 cases of major complications were documented, yielding a total rate of major complications was 8.7 % (7/79). Hemorrhage requiring blood transfusion or perforation after gastrostomy was not observed. 29.1 % of the patients (23/79) experienced late minor complications., Conclusion: CT-guided percutaneous gastrostomy represents a relatively safe method with a high success rate for enabling gastrostomy in patients with high-grade obstructions of the upper digestive tract or inadequate transillumination. Standard complication classification provides an important basis for quality assessment and disclosure of risks. A classification of complications after gastrostomy is presented for this purpose.

Background: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) plays an important role in maintaining enteral nutrition in patients with swallowing disorders of different etiologies. The aim of our study was to record indications and complications of PEG-placement in a one-year period., Methods: All patients were investigated prospectively regarding indications, wound infections, other complications and mortality between 1999-10-01 and 2000-09-30. The exit site was examined daily, after 30 days a follow-up by telephone was carried out., Results: The PEG-procedure was performed in 93 patients, one patient received a percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy. The mean age of the patients was 65.4 years (range 7 months--92 years). The most frequent indications were neurological diseases (n = 61, 65%). 21 patients had a PEG-placement because of malignancies (22%), 9 patients following brain injury (10%) and 3 patients (3%) due to other benign swallowing disorders. 63 patients (67%) had no complications, 28 patients (30%) had wound infections, and in two patients hemorrhage was observed (small hematoma requiring no further intervention). One patient had laparotomy because of suspected perforation--however, laparotomy was negative. In 7 patients (7%) wound infections (n = 28) were mild and needed only local or no therapy. In 18 patients (19%) we found a relevant infection that required systemic antibiotic therapy. 2 patients had serious local infections that caused further interventions. One patient died from sepsis caused by wound infection. Patients receiving antibiotic therapy at the time of PEG-placement suffered from wound infections in 25%. Patients with malignant diseases more often had wound infections. 8 patients died after 7 days and 19 patients after 30 days (8% and 19%, respectively) from their underlying disease., Conclusions: PEG is regarded as a small intervention with low morbidity and mortality. However, our analysis of daily practice shows a remarkable rate of complications. The high mortality in our study reflects the seriousness of the comorbidities. Antibiotic therapy failed to prevent wound infection in 25% of our patients.

Summary. The concept of enteral nutrition is well established for a long time. During the past twenty years different percutaneous tube feeding techniques have been established. The most popular method is the percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) which is applied as a pull-through technique in Germany. In some patients this approach is not successful and alternative techniques must be used (e. g. introducer method). In some patients nasal or percutaneous feeding tube have to be placed directly into the intestine. There are different systems available for this approach which have to be clearly indicated. As a second step after initiation of enteral nutrition therapy quality of life can be improved by implanting secondary systems (e. g. button gastrostomy).A standardized technique for inserting tubes is essential to have a successful long-term outcome in enteral nutrition and care after has to be integrated into the regimen. The aim of this article is to demonstrate different enteral nutrition tube techniques their indication, contraindication and long-term follow-up.

History and Clinical Findings: A 65-year-old patient had a fracture of the skull with resulting swallowing disorder and underwent percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) 9 months previously. A specific home care and maintenance of the PEG was not provided. The patient was referred to our hospital because of haematemesis on the suspicion of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. He was in a generally reduced condition with the clinical signs of anaemia and with a positive shock index., Investigations: The laboratory tests revealed an anaemia. The gastroscopy showed an active bleeding ulcer under the migrated internal bumper of the PEG (buried bumper syndrome). The bleeding activity was classified as Forrest lb. In addition, the chest X-ray and the bronchoscopy showed bilateral pneumonia., Diagnosis, Treatment and Course: Summarizing the diagnoses there was an active bleeding ulcer in the sense of a buried bumper syndrome in combination with bilateral pneumonia caused by aspiration. After releasing the bumper the bleeding was stopped by local injection therapy. As additional treatment of the lesion it was aimed to lower pressure on the affected mucosal area. This was achieved by the use of a button gastrostomy with a liquid-filled retention balloon that was placed through the preexisting stoma. The pneumonia was treated with antibiotics. Follow-up gastroscopies revealed good healing of the ulcer and the patient was discharged., Conclusions: The complication of a buried bumper syndrome with ulcer bleeding can effectively be treated by the use of a button gastrostomy. Treatment is based on sufficient pressure relief in the affected mucosa area. Advantages can be seen in the maintenance of the stoma and in the opportunity for an early continuation of enteral feeding.

In the recent past, PEG/PEJ has found worldwide acceptance. The uncomplicated nature of the method has resulted in a considerable increase in endoscopic gastrostomies. Provided that the method is properly applied, and appropriate aftercare is offered, complications rarely occur. In principle, the indications are chronic diseases requiring tube feeding for longer than one month, such as cachexia in patients with cancer or stenotic tumors of the mouth and throat, or of the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Bowel obstruction, causing repetitive vomiting and reduced quality of life, is a common complication in patients with intraabdominal malignancies. Conservative treatment with nasogastric tubes is limited by patient discomfort. Antisecretory drug treatment with octreotide may be insufficient. We describe the application of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) in 3 terminally ill cancer patients as simple and effective method for decompression in the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Purpose: The purpose of this prospective and randomized study was to compare two CT guidance techniques (CT-fluoroscopy/conventional CT) on percutaneous biopsies, drainages and gastrostomies., Material and Methods: 78 CT-guided interventions (29 biopsies, 38 drainages, 8 gastrostomies) were recorded and the Mann-Whitney U-test was applied. In 3 cases both guidance techniques were used. Procedure times, yields and radiation doses were analyzed., Results: All 38 drainages and all 8 gastrostomies were successfully applied. 13 biopsies with conventional CT guidance (n = 15) and 13 biopsies with CT-fluoroscopy (n = 14) showed a representative histopathologic result. The procedure times were not significantly different (drainages: p = 0.658, biopsies: p = 0.431, gastrostomies: p > 0.06). The radiation doses (CTID1) of the biopsies and drainages showed significantly higher values (drainages p < 0.001, biopsies p < 0.001) with CT-fluoroscopy than with conventional CT. There were no significant differences in gastrostomy procedures (p > 0.06)., Conclusion: Procedure times and yields were not improved by using CT-fluoroscopy. Radiation doses showed significantly higher values with CT-fluoroscopy than with conventional CT guidance. CT-fluoroscopy was advantageous in non-compliant patients over conventional CT guidance.

History: A 78-year-old woman in an organic psychotic state with food refusal was referred for a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG), repeated fluid infusions at home having failed to deal with dehydration severe enough to cause coma. She was somnolent on admission; neither a history nor cooperation was obtainable., Treatment and Course: Despite premedication with 20 mg diazepam and 100 mg pethidine endoscopy could not be performed through the mouth. A routine gastroscope (9 mm external diameter), however, could be passed transnasally into the stomach without difficulty and the PEG tube also placed transnasally., Conclusion: When endoscopic access to the stomach via the mouth fails, introduction via the nose is a possible alternative.

Enteral force feeding via a feeding tube is a widely accepted, but rarely used technique in practice. Two simple methods are discussed: the nasoesophageal tube, which can be positioned quickly without the need of general anaesthesia for diseases of predictably short duration and the percutaneous gastrostomy tube, which is placed blindly under short general anaesthesia without endoscopic or surgical procedures and which is designed for month long force feeding.

Objective: To analyse retrospectively the results of CT (computed tomography)-guided gastrostomy or gastroenterostomy where an endoscopic procedure was not possible or had failed., Patients and Methods: Between August 1993 and March 1997, CT-guided gastrostomy (n = 50) or gastroenterostomy (n = 8) was performed in 58 patients (mean age 56 +/- 6 years; 51 males, 7 females). An endoscopic or fluoroscopic method had been contraindicated in 52 and had failed in 6 patients., Results: Technical success was achieved in all patients. Three patients needed intravenous sedation. There were no procedure related complications requiring treatment. Three patients had a mild infection at the site of the skin puncture., Conclusion: CT-guided gastrostomy or gastroenterostomy is a safe and simple procedure which provides a minimally invasive alternative also in patients with contraindications to the established percutaneous method.

Laparoscopic gastrostomy was performed on 70 patients with contraindications to PEG. All procedures were performed successfully, even in patients with gastric resections, after gallbladder surgery, and in patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites. Long-term results comprise a low complication rate of 0.12 in 100 application days. Laparoscopic gastrostomy is a highly effective procedure with low morbidity and good long-term results in patients with contraindications to PEG requiring enteral feeding.

History: A 77-year-old woman developed progressively increasing weakness, vertigo, dyspnoea, cardiac arrhythmias, left-sided chest pain, dyspepsia, dysphagia and weight loss. 11 years before admission she had a right mastectomy and 5 years later a left mastectomy, both for carcinoma., Findings: She had an iron deficiency anaemia (haemoglobin 6.8 g/dl, ferritin level 9 mg/dl, mean corpuscular volume 64.3 fl). Neoplasm was excluded by extensive radiological and endoscopic examination, which however demonstrated upside-down stomach due to a large paraesophageal hernia., Treatment and Course: Percutaneous gastroscopic gastrostomy was performed to reposition and fixate the stomach. Using two gastroscopes the stomach was replaced into the abdomen and fixed with three gastrostomies. The gastrostomy tubes were removed 15 days later. One year after the operation the patient was symptom-free and the stomach remained well fixed. A small residual hernia was still demonstrable radiologically., Conclusion: This case suggests that percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is a satisfactory procedure for the repair of an upside-down stomach.

In patients with normal gastrointestinal functions, enteral nutrition is safe, efficious and inexpensive. The knowledge of enteral products and the correct selection of application techniques are important for a successful therapy. Long-term enteral nutrition of different subgroups of patients is possible by percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG). Many complications may be avoided by changing the modalities of application.

Purpose: To analyse retrospectively the indications, technique and results of radiologically induced gastrostomies or enterostomies., Patients and Method: Radiologically assisted gastrostomies or enterostomies were induced in 90 patients, mostly with high grade obstructions due to head and neck tumours or oesophageal tumours. 19/90 patients had had previous resection of the oesophagus or gastric operations., Results: A catheter was successfully introduced in all patients. In 11/90 patients this was followed by a two-stage procedure. In 16/90 patients puncture was performed under CT control because of some anatomical peculiarity. Serious complication occurred in 9/90 patients but in only one was surgery necessary. There were no deaths resulting from the procedure but mortality after 30 days was 6.7%., Conclusion: Radiologically assisted gastrostomies or enterostomies are a reliable and effective form of treatment even amongst difficult patients. The results and complications are comparable to those from endoscopic procedures.

Background and Objective: If transillumination is not possible, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is contraindicated. In these cases the stomach had so far to be punctured directly during radiological monitoring. A new method is described which combines endoscopy and computed tomography (CT) for performing a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy., Patients and Methods: Among 189 patients who were to have the procedure there were eleven (nine men, two women) in whom transillumination was not possible. After endoscopic insufflation of air PEG was done under CT guidance, using the common pull-through technique., Results: The combined method was successful in ten of the eleven patients without complication. In one patient with hepatomegaly and interposition of the transverse colon PEG was not possible even with CT guidance., Conclusions: The combined endoscopic-radiological method is practicable and safe in cases in which transillumination is not possible. There are several advantages compared with direct puncturing: The common pull-through technique can be used; radiological exposure is low and other clinically relevant findings may be revealed by the endoscopy.

Aim of Study: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) having established itself as the standard procedure and preferred method for artificial long-term intestinal nutrition, a retrospective study was undertaken to evaluate the complications and course after PEG., Patients and Methods: 1299 patients in whom PEG had been performed between 1.8. 1984 and 1.8. 1993 were sent a standardised questionnaire, 1182 of which could be evaluated (954 males, 228 females; mean age 56.7 [3-94] years)., Results: Total duration of PEG was 279830 days, with a mean of 216.2 days per patient. Mortality rate due to the procedure was 0.5%. Severe complications (peritonitis, perforation or faulty puncture) occurred in 9 patients (0.9%). The most common relatively minor complications were peristomal wound infection (8.7%) and brief periods of abdominal pain (4.8%). Typical side effects specific to nutrition were gastrointestinal symptoms, like constipation, diarrhoea, meteorism, vomiting and other signs of illness (39.3%)., Conclusion: Long-term intestinal nutrition via PEG is a safe, efficacious and cost-effective form of treatment which decreases demands on hospital care and reduces costs.