Perioperative Antibiotics Are Independent Predictors for Major Complications in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Gastrostomy Placement

Introduction: Although rare, major complications after gastrostomy tube placement are a significant source of morbidity in children. The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of major complications in pediatric patients undergoing gastrostomy placement. Materials and Methods: Retrospective review of surgically placed gastrostomy tubes from 2010 to 2017 was performed. Data collected included demographics, outcomes, and major complications. We divided the patients into no complications (Group 1) and major complications (Group 2). Excluded were minor complications and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy procedures. Results: Of 123 patients, 51.5% were males and 52% infants. Group 1 had 112 patients (91%), whereas Group 2 had 11 patients (9%). Of Group 2 patients, 3 required prolonged nil per os/total parenteral nutrition and 8 surgical reinterventions. Laparoscopy in 110 patients (89%), open surgery in 10 patients (8%), and 3 conversions to open. There were no significant differences in demographics or preoperative characteristics (albumin and comorbidities). We identified surgical approach (open: 6.3% versus 27.3%, P = .014), operative time (58 versus 85 minutes, P = .04), and use of preoperative antibiotics (63% versus 92%, P = .004) as predictors of outcomes. However, on multivariate analysis lack of preoperative antibiotics (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 14.82 [confidence interval: 2.60-84.34], P = .002), and open procedure (aOR, 6.14 [1.01-37.24], P = .049) were independent predictors of major complications. Conclusion: Most patients with major complications after gastrostomy tube placement require surgical reintervention. Lack of preoperative antibiotics and open procedures are independent predictive factors for major complication in patients undergoing gastrostomy tube placement.