Safety and effectiveness of percutaneous fluoroscopic gastrostomy in cancer patients
Lin, Z.H.; Chuang, V.P.; Soong, T.C.; Lin, C.K.; Chan, K.Y.
Journal of the Formosan Medical Association 99(3): 206-212
2000
ISSN/ISBN: 0929-6646 PMID: 10820952 Document Number: 514156
Purpose: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of percutaneous fluoroscopic gastrostomy (PFG) in cancer patients. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the success rate, complication rate, and patient outcomes of PFG performed during a 15-month period in our hospital. The Cope type 10-French and 12-French self-retaining catheters were used for gastrostomy. Results: Of the 113 PFG procedures requested during the study period, 112 (99.1%) were performed successfully; one procedure was cancelled because the nasogastric tube could not be passed through the obstructed esophagus. Thirty-day follow-ups were obtained for 92.0% of the procedures. Of the patients with at least 30 days of follow-up, eight (7.8%) died, but only two deaths (1.9%) were procedure-related. Major complications, including peritonitis and severe wound infection, occurred after eight procedures (7.8%). Minor complications, including superficial wound infection, tube fracture, leakage, severe pain, mild hemorrhage, and tube migration, occurred after 23 procedures (22.3%). The severity of pneumoperitoneum was significantly associated with the frequency of complications (p < 0.05). After placement of the gastrostomy, 68% of the patients maintained or increased their initial body weight; 28% lost 10% or less of their body weight; and 4% lost more than 10% of their body weight. Conclusions: PFG appears to be effective and relatively safe for long-term nutritional support in cancer patients.