Fluoroscopically guided percutaneous gastrostomy: tube function and malfunction.

We describe our experience with fluoroscopically guided percutaneous gastrostomy, assessing in particular the functional performance of inserted tubes. We also examine the ability of radiological investigations to detect intraperitoneal gastrostomy leakage after the procedure. A functioning gastrostomy tube was established and maintained for as long as was required in 34 (89.5%) of 38 patients referred during a 21-month period. This necessitated further gastrostomy tube placements in 13 patients. On average, inserted gastrostomy tubes functioned for 10.75 weeks and during the review period a total of 34 malfunctioning tubes required replacement or removal. This was most commonly due to tube dislodgement, blockage, or intraperitoneal leakage. We found increasing pneumoperitoneum on sequential postprocedure erect chest films a reliable sign in the diagnosis of the latter complication. In conclusion, while we have been disappointed with aspects of individual tube function, our satisfactory overall functional success rate indicates that percutaneous gastrostomy is an effective method for establishing and maintaining enteral feeding. We also propose a protocol for the management of suspected intraperitoneal leakage based on the findings on postprocedure erect chest films.