[Gastrostomy in the newborn - indication, technique, complications (author's transl)].

Performing a gastrostomy is an easy operative procedure. Indications for this procedure include neonates and children with congenital deformities of the oesophagus, dysphagia for different reasons, small bowel atresias, exomphalos and diaphragmatic hernias. The gastrostomy is performed in the left upper abdomen through a small vertical midline incision. Between 1970 and 1979, gastrostomy has been performed in 143 newborns and children. In none of these cases did a serious complication occur. The main advantages are: decompression of the abdomen, improvement of the ventilation and early enteral quantitative feeding.