Comparison of Two Laparoscopic Techniques for Gastropexy in Children

Background: Laparoscopic gastrostomy is a widely used interventional procedure in pediatric surgery. We report comparative data for two endosurgical methods for the fixation of the stomach against the abdominal wall, using the U-stitches technique and the Saf-T-Pexy((R)) (Halyard Health Inc., Alpharetta, GA) system. Materials and Methods: Within the period from January 2012 to June 2014 we performed 24 operations involving laparoscopic placement of a gastrostomy tube using U-stitches (Group I) and 24 operations using the Saf-T-Pexy system (Group II). The two groups of patients were compared in terms of demographics and intraoperative and postoperative results. Results: No statistical difference (P>.05) was found while comparing the patients' demographics and intra- and postoperative results. The mean duration of the surgical procedure in Group I was 23.75 minutes; in contrast, the mean duration of surgery in Group II was 22.71 minutes (P>.05). The time to first feeding (9.96 hours versus 10.63 hours) and time to full enteral feeding (23.13 hours versus 24.5 hours) were consistent for patients from both groups (P>.05). A similar postoperative duration of stay was recorded for the patients from the comparison groups (7.25 days versus 7.21 days; P>.05). Statistical analysis of the two groups demonstrated a significant difference in the parameters of minor postoperative complications (41.67% versus 8.33%; P<.05). Conclusions: Use of the Saf-T-Pexy system is a simple and efficient method for gastropexy involving placement of gastrostomy tubes that significantly reduces the number of postoperative complications.