A retrospective correlation of percutaneous feeding tube stoma length in sitting and supine positions compared with body mass index.

BACKGROUND

Accurate knowledge of stoma tract length is important to prevent gastric ulcer formation, buried bumper syndrome, and peristomal leakage/infection. Current guidelines suggest 0.5-1.0 cm of play between the skin and external bolster. The aim of this study was to determine if stoma tract length changes from supine and sitting position and if this change is related to BMI.

METHODS

Patients undergoing percutaneous feeding tube change from November 2006 to September 2009 were enrolled. Correlations were made between BMI and stoma tract length in both sitting and supine positions.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight patients (24 percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy [PEG], 4 direct percutaneous jejunal feeding tube) were included; 19 (68%) were female. The mean ± SD stoma length was 3.6 ± 0.9 cm in the supine position and 4.9 ± 1.4 cm in the sitting position. The mean ± SD stoma length change from supine to sitting position was 1.53 ± 0.9 cm. Mean ± SD BMI was 21.2 ± 4.5 (range, 14.9-33.8). Stoma length in the supine position (r = 0.65, P = .0002) and sitting position (r = 0.6, P = .0009) was strongly correlated with BMI. Change in stoma tract length was correlated with BMI (r = 0.43, P = .02).

CONCLUSION

Stoma tract length is strongly correlated with BMI in both the sitting and supine positions. PEG stoma tract length changes significantly from the supine and sitting position. To prevent complications, most patients should have a longer distance set between internal and external bolsters than is recommended.