Laparoscopic gastrostomy as an adjunctive procedure to laparoscopic fundoplication in children

Infants and children requiring fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux frequently have significant associated medical problems necessitating placement of a gastrostomy at the time of fundoplication. This article reviews the techniques, complications, and results of 141 laparoscopic Stamm gastrostomies performed in conjunction with laparoscopic fundoplication in infants and children. The three techniques employed were the T-fastener technique (63/141) which is best utilized in patients with thick abdominal walls; the trocar-site technique (53/141) which is technically easy to perform but prone to infection and fistula formation; and the U-stitch technique (26/141). General complications of laparoscopic gastrostomy include development of gastrocutaneous fistulae (2/141), perigastrostomy cellulitis (8/141), and the formation of granulation tissue at the gastrostomy site (45/141). The only perioperative death was due to a technical error during gastrostomy tube placement. Our preferred method for laparoscopic gastrostomy in most children is the U-stitch technique.