Radiologically inserted gastrostomy complications: A case series

Abstract

Radiologically inserted gastrostomy (RIG) is performed in patients who cannot safely or sufficiently receive oral nutrition; however, postoperative complications are not uncommon. The risk of major complications such as peritonitis, migration, infection, malposition, and bleeding is small but appreciable, although mortality as a direct consequence of gastrostomy placement is rare. In this case series, we describe the major gastrostomy complications (arterial haemorrhage, gastric fluid leak, peritonitis, RIG site infection, ileus and colon perforation) that occurred in four patients at our hospital over a 27-month period in which 152 RIG procedures were performed (an incidence rate of 2.6%). Herein, we describe the gastrostomy procedures, clinical course, and surgical corrections required for these patients before discussing the complication risks for common gastrostomy procedures and potential methods to reduce and prevent such complications.