Comparing single-incision versus standard laparoscopic gastrostomy in paediatric patients - a single centre study

Abstract

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The objective of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of single-incision laparoscopic gastrostomy (SILG) and compare with standard laparoscopic gastrostomy (LG). METHODS: Paediatric patients (age <18 years) with gastrostomy placement (+/-concomitant fundoplication) in the past 3 years were reviewed. Demographic data, intraoperative and post-operative events (minor/major complications, initiation of feeding) were compared. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients were identified (LG : SILG = 25 : 13). There was no significant differences between (LG vs SILG) age (5.7 vs 4.2 years, p=0.45) and body size at operation (15.3 vs 12.4 kg, p=0.36). The median operative durations for LG group (after excluding concomitant fundoplication if necessary) and SILG group were 38 mins vs 45 mins, p=0.21. There was one major complication in the LG group but none was reported in the SILG group. Seven patients (28%) in the LG group suffered from minor complications while 2 (15.4%) in the SILG group did. Gastrostomy feeding was initiated on POD 1 in majority of patients in both groups (LG: 92% vs SILG: 100%, p=0.18). CONCLUSIONS: SILG is technically feasible in paediatric patients and outcomes were comparable to LG. This approach should be considered when concomitant procedure is not required to minimize surgical trauma.