Safety and effectiveness of percutaneous fluoroscopic gastrostomy in cancer patients

Purpose: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of percutaneous fluorosco pic gastrostomy (PFG) in cancer patients. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the success rate, complication rate, a nd patient outcomes of PFG performed during a 15-month period in our hospit al. The Cope type 10-French and 12-French self-retaining catheters were use d for gastrostomy. Results: Of the 113 PFG procedures requested during the study period, 112 ( 99.1%) were performed successfully/ one procedure was cancelled because the nasogastric tube could not be passed through the obstructed esophagus. Thi rty-day follow-ups were obtained for 92.0% of the procedures. Of the patien ts with at least 30 days of follow-up, eight (7.8%) died, but only two deat hs (1.9%) were procedure-related. Major complications, including peritoniti s and severe wound infection, occurred after eight procedures (7.8%). Minor complications, including superficial wound infection, tube fracture, leaka ge, severe pain, mild hemorrhage, and tube migration, occurred after 23 pro cedures (22.3%). The severity of pneumoperitoneum was significantly associa ted with the frequency of complications (p < 0.05). After placement of the gastrostomy, 68% of the patients maintained or increased their initial body weight; 28% lost 10% or less of their body weight; and 4% lost more than 1 0% of their body weight; and 4% lost more than 10% of their body weight. Conclusions: PFG appears to be effective and relatively safe for long-term nutritional support in cancer patients.