Ultrasound is safe and highly specific for confirmation of proper gastrostomy tube replacement in pediatric patients.

BACKGROUND: Gastrostomy tube (GT) dislodgement is a common cause of Pediatric Emergency Department (PED) visits. Postoperative patients and those who require stoma dilation are more likely to have complications during emergent replacement. Although incorrect replacement can cause significant morbidity overall, the occurrence is infrequent. Contrast injection of the GT is considered the standard for confirming proper placement. Case reports in both pediatric and adult patients suggest that ultrasound can be used to confirm proper replacement. The objective of the present study was to assess the utility of ultrasound to confirm GT placement in pediatric patients most at risk for complications from incorrect replacement.

METHODS: This is a non-randomized cohort pilot trial to determine the sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound to confirm proper replacement of a GT in a Pediatric Emergency Department.

RESULTS: We enrolled 55 pediatric subjects, of which 50 had ultrasound imaging after GT replacement in the PED prior to contrast injection. Ultrasound was found to have 96% sensitivity and 100% specificity for confirming GT placement.

CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound is a safe and reliable confirmatory study to confirm GT placement in pediatric patients, especially those at highest risk of complications from incorrect placement.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.