ABSTRACT
Gastrostomy is one of the oldest abdominal operations in continuous use and its history is closely associated with the evolution of modern surgery.
Gastrostomies are important in the management of a wide variety of surgical and non-surgical conditions of childhood. Although pediatric surgeons have become more selective in the use of gastrostomies for congenital malformations, there has been a marked increase in the use of feeding stomas in infants and children without associated surgical pathology, mainly those with an inability to swallow secondary to central nervous system disorders. Refinements in traditional procedures and the introduction of newer and simpler endoscopically, radiologically, ultrasonographically, and laparoscopically aided gastrostomies have enhanced the safety and expanded the applicability of this operation. The use of softer, minimally irritating materials in the manufacture of gastrostomy catheters and the development of skin-level gastrostomy devices have greatly facilitated the long-term use of this type of enterostomy.
