Reinstituting Oral Feedings in Children Fed by Gastrostomy Tube

Abstract

Children with gastrostomies may return to oral feedings provided the health problem which led to its placement has resolved, stabilized, or been corrected. However, attempts to accomplish this are likely to be met with resistance from the child, including gagging, choking, biting, and vomiting. Aspiration and even fatal airway obstruction are possible. Seventeen children with gastrostomies were evaluated to determine appropriateness for oral feedings. Only 10 of this group were deemed acceptable candidates. Five were managed successfully as outpatients and four as inpatients. One patient with dysphagia aspirated, and oral feedings were discontinued. Selection criteria and management methods are described.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Holder TM , Leape LL , Ashcraft KW Gastrostomy: its use and dangers in pediatric patients. N Engl J Med 1972; 286: 1345-7.

Gallagher MW , Tyson KR , Ashcraft KW Gastrostomy in pediatric patients: an analysis of complications and techniques. Surgery 1973 ; 74: 536-9.

Campbell JR , Sasaki TM Gastrostomy in infants and children: an analysis of complications and techniques . Am Surg 1974;40:505-8.

Haws EB , Sieber WK , Kiesewetter WB Complications of tube gastrostomy in infants and children: 15 year review of 240 cases. Ann Surg 1966; 164: 284-90.

Illingworth RS , Lister J. The critical or sensitive period, with special reference to certain feeding problems in infants and children. J Pediatr 1964; 65: 839-48.