Endoscopic button gastrostomy: Comparing a sutured endoscopic approach to the current techniques ☆,☆☆

Abstract Purpose Button gastrostomy is the preferred feeding device in children and can be placed open or laparoscopically (LBG). Alternatively, a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) can be placed initially and exchanged for a button. Endoscopic-assisted button gastrostomy (EBG) combines both techniques, using only one incision and suturing the stomach to the abdominal wall. The long-term outcomes and potential costs for EBG were compared to other techniques. Methods Children undergoing EBG, LBG, and PEG (2010–2013) were compared. Patient demographics, procedure duration/complications, and clinic and emergency room (ER) visits for an eight-week follow-up period were compared. Results Patient demographics were similar (32 patients/group). Mean procedure time (min) for EBG was 38±9, compared to 58±20 for LBG and 31±10 for PEG ( p Conclusions EBG is safe and comparable to LBG and PEG in terms of complications. It has a shorter procedure time than LBG and does not require laparoscopy, device exchange, or subsequent fluoroscopic confirmation, potentially reducing costs.