Recurrence Rates of Pediatric Gastrojejunostomy Tube-Related Intussusceptions: Immediate Tube Exchange vs. A Period of Bowel Rest.

Abstract

This study compared the recurrence rate of gastrojejunal (GJ) tube-related intussusceptions managed with temporary tube removal for "bowel rest" versus immediate tube exchange. The secondary aim was to compare the time to recurrence between the two management groups. A total of 92 episodes in 56 pediatric patients were analyzed, with demographics, tube characteristics, and interventions recorded. Recurrence rates were compared using the Chi-squared test, and time to recurrence was analyzed with the Kaplan-Meier method. The median age was 23 months (range 2-184 months), the median weight was 10.9kg (range 3-36 kg), and 51.1% of episodes occurred in females. Fifty three percent of recurrences occurred in the bowel rest group, and 47% in the immediate reinsertion group. No statistically significant difference was found in the recurrence rates (p=1.000) or time to recurrence (p=0.364). The findings indicate that immediate tube exchange may be an effective management strategy in clinically stable patients.