Background/purpose: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is of great benefit to a defined population of children, but gastrostomy has been implicated in causation or exacerbation of gastroesophageal reflux (GER). The aim of this study was to quantitatively and qualitatively analyze the effect of PEG on GER.
Methods and material: Sixty-four children mean age 6.7 +/- 4.2 years, most of whom were impaired neurologically were evaluated for GER after PEG between 1998 and 2000. Twenty-four-hour pH monitoring was used for quantitative assessment. Qualitative analysis was by interview to record the following: vomiting, choking, chest infection, and weight gain.
Results: Twenty-four hour pH monitoring was performed 9.4 +/- 1.2 weeks after PEG. Patients underwent follow-up for 18 +/- 6 months. Seventy-two percent who did not have reflux before PEG remained reflux free. Fourteen percent who had GER before PEG continued to have reflux (P <.05). Only 5% of patients without GER before PEG had reflux afterward, and 3% of patients with preexisting GER deteriorated (P >.05). Six percent of patients with preexisting GER improved post-PEG. Of the 14 patients (22%) who had or continued to have reflux after PEG, 11 of 14 (79%) underwent antireflux surgery, and 21% were managed successfully by intensive medical treatment and change of feeding regimen. Only 6% experienced difficulties and complications with the device. Forty-eight percent of patients did not vomit pre- or postoperation. In 16%, vomiting improved post-PEG, whereas 14% experienced minor deterioration (1 to 2 vomits per month). Major deterioration was experienced by 22%. Weight gain occurred in 77%, and in 23% there was no loss of weight. There was an overall improvement in quality of life in 88% after PEG. Overall improvement in quality of life post-PEG, post-antireflux surgery and post-intensive medical management for pathologic GER was 94%.
Conclusions: (1) PEG did not precipitate or exacerbate GER quantitatively or qualitatively in the majority of children. (2) A normal 24-hour pH study predicted a favourable outcome after PEG. (3) An abnormal preoperation pH study predicted persistence or worsening reflux after PEG, but not all of these patients required an antireflux procedure. (4) GER is not a contraindication to PEG, the overall benefits of which outweigh the risks.