GASTROSTOMY RISKS RESULTS

There are few risks associated with this surgery. The main complications are infection, bleeding, dislodgment  of the tube, stomach bloating, nausea, and diarrhea. Gastrostomy is a relatively simple procedure. As with any surgery, however, patients are more likely to experience complications if they are smokers, obese, use alcohol heavily, or use illicit drugs. In addition, some prescription medications may increase risks associated with anesthesia. Normal results
The patient is able to eat through the gastrostomy tube, or the stomach can be drained through the tube.

Morbidity and mortality rates
A study performed in 1998 on hospitalized Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 years or older who underwent gastrostomy revealed substantial mortality rates. The in-hospital mortality rate was 15.3%. Cerebrovascular disease, neoplasms, fluid and electrolyte disorders, and aspiration pneumonia were the most common primary diagnoses. The overall mortality rate at 30 days was 23.9%, reaching 63% at one year and 81.3% at three years.

Alternatives
There are no alternatives to a gastrostomy because the decision to perform it is made when a person is unable to take in enough calories to meet the demands of his or her body.