Abstract
Purpose Factors precipitating persistence of gastrocutaneous fistulas (GCFs) are not clearly
understood. The role of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or histamine receptor antagonists
in GCF closure is not yet studied. We aimed to identify whether these medications
influence spontaneous GCF closure.
Methods Retrospective review was performed on children who underwent gastrostomy tube insertion
and removal from January 2010 to February 2013. Spontaneous GCF closure rates and
medication use during gastrostomy tube removal were investigated.
Results Of the 97 patients included, 48 had spontaneous GCF closure, whereas 49 required
operative closure. When comparing these two groups, no significant difference existed
in spontaneous GCF closure rates among patients who were on ranitidine, PPIs, or both
(p = 0.09, p = 0.83, p = 0.06 respectively). Spontaneous closure occurred more in older patients (2.7 ± 4.1
vs. 0.9 ± 1.6 years, p < 0.01) and in patients without fundoplication at time of tube insertion (12.5 vs.
30.6%, p = 0.05). There were more laparoscopic placements in the group that closed spontaneously
(83 vs. 61%, p = 0.02). Mean gastrostomy tube presence was longer in patients who required surgery
than those with spontaneous closures (18.7 ± 10.3 vs. 35.5 ± 36.6 months, p < 0.01).
Conclusion Ranitidine or PPI use upon removal of gastrostomy tubes does not seem to facilitate
spontaneous GCF closure in children.
Keywords
gastrocutaneous fistula - ranitidine - proton pump inhibitor - pediatric
