Laparoscopic Gastrostomy Is Superior to Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Tube Placement in Children Less Than 5 years of Age

Abstract Purpose: Minimally invasive procedures for enteral access in children have evolved over the years, resulting in various techniques of gastrostomy tube placement. The two most common techniques are laparoscopic gastrostomy (LG) and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG). Our study compares the outcomes of both procedures exclusively in children under the age of five. Methods: All procedures relating to enteral access in children <5 years of age were reviewed retrospectively from July 2009 to July of 2014 as approved by our Institutional Review Board. Demographics, techniques, and complications were collected and analyzed. Results: Of 293 patients in our study, 150 patients underwent PEG, 75 LG, and 68 LG with Nissen fundoplication (LNG). The most common indication for enteral tube placement was failure to thrive and feeding intolerance. Operative time was less in the PEG group than in the other two groups (P = .001). Overall complication rate was 60% for LG and LNG and 58% for PEG (P = NS). The...