The laparoscopic Janeway gastrostomy. An alternative technique when percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is impractical.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Today, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is the standard procedure for ensuring safe feeding access. In the case of advanced hypopharyngeal and esophageal carcinomas, it may not be feasible to pass an existing stenosis by endoscopy. The aim of this prospective study was to investigate the laparoscopic Janeway gastrostomy as an alternative technique for guaranteeing feeding access in these instances.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between May 1993 and December 1999, 21 patients underwent laparoscopic Janeway gastrostomies. Indications were extended incurable tumors of the hypopharnyx (n = 12) and esophagus (n = 9) which rendered oral nutrition impossible and did not allow passage by the endoscope.

RESULTS

The mean operative time was 38 minutes (range 24-50). No procedure-related intraoperative or postoperative complications were observed. All patients recovered quickly from surgery and the gastrostomies functioned well in all cases until the death of the patients.

CONCLUSION

The laparoscopic Janeway gastrostomy is a safe and simple technique for palliative feeding access, avoiding a laparotomy in patients in whom percutaneous endoscopic placement is impractical.