Prolonged use of stomach feeding tubes in children may increase risk of stomach fistulas

(American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (A.S.P.E.N.)) Pediatric patients with intestinal failure often need gastrostomy tubes, or feeding tubes inserted into an opening created in the stomach, for long-term nutrition. The use of such tubes can lead to persistent gastrocutaneous fistulae, or the failure of the opening to close on its own, resulting in a need for surgical closure.
Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health - Category: Global & Universal Source Type: news