Use of Point-of-Care Ultrasound to Guide Pediatric Gastrostomy Tube Replacement in the Emergency Department

Pediatr Emerg Care. 2018 Feb;34(2):145-148. doi: 10.1097/PEC.0000000000001400.

Abstract

The presentation of a pediatric patient to the emergency department for a malfunctioning or dislodged gastrostomy tube (G-tube) is not uncommon. As such, these tubes are often replaced at the bedside. Improper placement can result in a number of complications, including perforation, fistula tract formation, peritonitis, and sepsis. The current criterion standard method to confirm proper G-tube placement is contrast-enhanced radiography. However, point-of-care ultrasound may be an alternative method to guide and confirm pediatric G-tube replacement in the emergency department. We report a series of cases on this novel point-of-care ultrasound application.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Device Removal / adverse effects
  • Device Removal / methods*
  • Emergency Service, Hospital
  • Enteral Nutrition / adverse effects
  • Enteral Nutrition / methods*
  • Equipment Failure
  • Female
  • Gastrostomy / adverse effects
  • Gastrostomy / methods*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Point-of-Care Systems*
  • Reoperation
  • Ultrasonography, Interventional / methods*