Complications after pediatric percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy: comparison of the push and pull technique

Purpose Various complications are associated with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) procedures in children. The push technique is being increasingly used, but its complications are insufficiently characterized. We aimed to assess all complications related to PEG procedures and compare the safety of the pull and push techniques. Methods Retrospective review of consecutive pediatric patients who underwent PEG between 2002 and 2020. Results In total, 216 children underwent 217 PEG procedures. The push technique was used in 138 (64%) cases, and the pull technique in 79 (36%) cases. The median follow-up time was 6.1 (0.1–18.3) years. The complication rate was high (57%) and patients experienced complications years after the procedure. Overall, 51% and 67% of patients experienced complications in the push and pull groups, respectively. The rates of minor and major complications were higher in the pull group than in the push group (63% vs 48%, p =0.028; and 11% vs 6%, p =0.140, respectively). Reoperation was also more common in the pull group (17% vs 7%, p =0.020). Conclusions The overall complication rate of PEG procedures is high. Fortunately, most complications are mild and do not require reoperations. The increasing push technique appears to be safer than the traditional pull technique. Significant long-term morbidity is related to gastrostomies in children. Data may be obtained from a third party and are not publicly available. Data were collected from the medical records of Tampere University Hospital.