Childen's Hospital Boston 300 Longwood Avenue
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 355-6000
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My Child Has:
Percutaneous Gastrostomy
Programs that perform this procedure
Interventional Radiology Division  
What is a percutaneous gastrostomy?
Gastrostomy is a procedure in which a tube is placed through the abdominal wall into the stomach.
What is unique about percutaneous gastrostomy at Children's Hospital Boston?
There are numerous techniques for placing gastrostomy tubes. Gastrostomy tube placement in the Radiology Department is performed with the guidance of ultrasound and x-ray fluoroscopy images. While surgical placement of a gastrostomy tube in the operating room is usually performed under general anesthesia, image-guided percutaneous gastrostomy performed in the Radiology Department can usually be performed without general anesthesia. This may be of benefit in patients with associated respiratory problems.

Interventional radiologists at Children's Hospital Boston are trained and experienced in the performance of invasive procedures on infants and children. Children's Hospital Boston is equipped with modern x-ray and ultrasound equipment and is staffed with anesthesiologists, radiologic technologists, and nurses who are familiar with the needs of patients undergoing these procedures.

When should I get a gastrostomy?
A gastrostomy may be performed for a variety of causes or reasons where the patient is unable to feed sufficiently by mouth. The most common indications are conditions affecting the patient's neurological function although patients with a blockage of the upper gastrointestinal tract may also benefit from gastrostomy.
Is it safe? Will it hurt?
Percutaneous gastrostomy, when performed by an appropriately trained and experienced interventional radiologist, is a safe procedure which can usually be performed under local anesthesia. Discomfort related to the initial passage of the needle through the skin of the abdominal wall will be minimized by the use of local anesthesia (numbing medication) and, if appropriate, sedation medication. As with all invasive procedures, complications and side effects may occur. These will be explained to you in detail before you give your consent.
How should the patient prepare for the procedure?
The patient should eat no solid foods for eight hours prior to the procedure but can drink clear fluids for up to three hours before the procedure. The patient may be asked to drink a liquid contrast medium the day before the procedure.
What will happen during the procedure?
The percutaneous gastrostomy will be performed by an interventional radiologist in an interventional suite in the Radiology Department. At the beginning of the procedure, the interventional radiologist will examine the upper abdomen using an ultrasound probe. A tube will be passed through the nose into the stomach and used to inject some air. After injecting some local anesthetic (numbing medication) into the skin, the interventional radiologist will use the x-ray monitor to guide the passage of a needle through the skin and into the stomach. A guide wire is then passed through the needle and the needle is removed. A catheter is then passed along the guide wire and secured in place.
How does this technique work? What does the radiologist see?
The use of imaging equipment including ultrasound and x-ray monitors (fluoroscope), as well as the previous administration of contrast medium by mouth, allow the radiologist to see the needle and avoid passing it through organs next to the stomach. The x-ray monitor also allows the radiologist to place the catheter in the appropriate position and direction.
How will I learn the results?
The interventional radiologist will inform you of the results immediately after the procedure.
What if I have other questions?
Further information can be obtained by calling Children's Interventional Radiology Office at 617-355-6579. The appropriate person will be asked to return your call.
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