Description: Gastrostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an opening in the stomach to provide nutrition directly to the stomach. This procedure is typically performed on patients who cannot eat orally due to various medical conditions, such as neurological diseases, cancer, or swallowing disorders. Gastrostomy allows for the insertion of a feeding tube, which can be used to administer liquids, nutrients, and medications. This method is crucial for maintaining nutrition and hydration in patients requiring long-term nutritional support. The intervention can be performed either openly or through minimally invasive techniques, such as percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG), which has gained popularity due to its shorter recovery time and lower risk of complications. Gastrostomy not only improves patients’ quality of life but can also be vital for their survival, allowing for adequate nutritional intake when oral feeding is not possible. This procedure is an example of how surgery can adapt to the specific needs of patients, providing effective solutions for complex health issues.
History: Gastrostomy has its roots in antiquity, although its practice has significantly evolved over the centuries. The earliest records of similar procedures date back to ancient Greece and Rome, where interventions were performed to address swallowing issues. However, it was in the 20th century that gastrostomy was formalized as a standard surgical procedure, especially with the development of safer and more effective surgical techniques. The introduction of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) in the 1980s revolutionized the field, allowing physicians to perform the procedure in a less invasive manner with fewer complications.
Uses: Gastrostomy is primarily used in patients who cannot eat orally due to medical conditions such as strokes, neurodegenerative diseases, head and neck cancer, or trauma affecting swallowing ability. It is also employed in pediatric patients with feeding issues or malnutrition. This procedure allows for the administration of enteral nutrition, which is essential for growth and development in children, as well as for recovery in adults.
Examples: An example of the use of gastrostomy is in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), who may lose the ability to swallow. In these cases, a gastrostomy tube is placed to ensure that the patient receives the necessary nutrition. Another example is in oncology patients who have undergone surgery in the head and neck, where gastrostomy allows for adequate feeding during their treatment.
