Complications of Temporary Tube Gastrostomy

Postoperative difficulties with permanent gastrostomy have been described by Connar and Sealy.1Thus far the reported complications attending the use of temporary (tube) gastrostomy have been minimal.2,3Tube gastrostomy has been used with success for many years on the University of Southern California Surgical Services, Los Angeles County Hospital,4and its value for postoperative decompression of the gastrointestinal tract was emphasized by Farris and Smith2in 1956. Complications incident to nasogastric intubation have occasioned the trial and acceptance of tube gastrostomy by many surgeons. This procedure has been utilized by me on numerous occasions and has been impressive in its simplicity of execution and effectiveness. Until recently there had been no difficulty associated with its use. After one protracted encounter with a complicated postoperative course compounded by the use of a temporary tube gastrostomy, it was decided to find out how often this procedure had been