Laparoscopic gastrostomy using T-fasteners as retractors and anchors

Summary

Most feeding or venting gastrostomies can be placed percutaneously via gastroscopy. Laparotomy is required if gastroscopy is not possible—for example, in patients with esophageal strictures or large tumors. We have developed a new technique of laparoscopic gastrostomy, and used it successfully in three patients. The key to this technique is the T-fastener, a nylon suture attached to a metal T-bar, which is introduced via a slotted needle percutaneously and dislodged inside the stomach lumen. Four T-fasteners secure the stomach wall to the anterior abdomen. A balloon catheter gastrostomy tube is then placed over a J-wire through the center of these T-fasteners. This technique requires no gastroscopy or intracorporeal suturing and needs only one port for the laparoscope. It is safe and simple and can be used for patients who require a gastrostomy in whom gastroscopy is not possible or is risky.