The role of CT-guided percutaneous gastrostomy in patients with clinically severe obesity presenting with complications after bariatric surgery.

PURPOSE: To retrospectively evaluate the efficacy and safety of computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous gastrostomy in patients presenting with complications after bariatric surgery.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

From January 2003 up to today, 25 patients (20 women), formerly operated for severe obesity, were referred for gastrostomy, after presenting with a complication. The mean age and body mass index were 38±9.3 years and 46±7.1 kg/m, respectively. A gastrostomy tube was placed under CT in all patients.

RESULTS

The procedure's technical success rate was 96%, with mean interventional time of 80±42 minutes. In 14 of 25 (56%) cases submucosal spread of air was noticed during air insufflation into the stomach. No major complications were recorded. There was a statistically significant improvement of both albumin and prealbumin values compared with the initial ones (P<0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

CT-guided gastrostomy in patients with complications after bariatric surgery, provides a reliable alternative for nutritional support. It restores the normal absorption route, reversing metabolic deficiencies.