There are many reasons why your child may need a gastrostomy (gas-tros'-to-me). A gastrostomy is the creation of a new opening into the stomach. A small incision (stoma or opening) is made in the skin and stomach wail. The feeding tube is inserted into the stomach. This tube can deliver fluids and formula directly into the stomach enabling your child to receive enough nutrition essential for function, growth, and healing, it can easily be removed if your child is able to consume adequate calories by mouth at a future time.
Many children need assistance to get optimal nutrient intake. They might have a neurologic impairment that prevents them from swallowing safely or are at risk for aspiration (inhaling food into the lungs). Other conditions that require temporary nutritional support are: abnormal esophagus (i.e. esophageal atresia or stricture from gastroesophageal reflux), prematurity (i.e. less than 38-40 weeks gestation), chronic lung disease (i.e. cystic fibrosis), failure to thrive, short bowel syndrome, cardiac disease with poor feeding and growth, or any other medical condition that prevents a child from eating and swallowing safely. Children with pseudo-obstruction or other motility disorders might require a gastrostomy for chronic stomach drainage or decompression (removal of pressure).
Children with poor nutritional intake are at risk for skeletal muscle weakness, organ dysfunction, gastrointestinal wasting, neurologic abnormalities, delayed wound healing, and depressed immune function. A gastrostomy is essential for prevention of malnutrition and helps many children reach their potential for growth and development.
A pediatric surgeon should evaluate children who require a gastrostomy. A pediatric surgeon devotes his or her practice to the surgical care of children. He or she must have graduated from medical school, and completed five years of postgraduate General Surgery training in an accredited training program. Pediatric surgeons must then complete an additional accredited two-year fellowship program in Pediatric Surgery. Your child's primary pediatrician will refer you to this specialist, who preferably will perform the surgery at a children's hospital, A children's hospital is planned around the special needs of children and their families.
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Pediatric Gastrostomy
