What is the most common complication following gastrostomy placement?

What is the most common complication following gastrostomy placement?

• A. Peristomal infection
• B. Tube dislodgement
• C. Bleeding
• D. Leakage

Answer: (A)

Peristomal infection is the most common complication after gastrostomy placement because the creation of a stoma between the stomach and the abdominal skin exposes skin to gastric contents and intestinal bacteria. This environment, along with moisture around the tube and potential skin irritation from feeds or dressings, facilitates bacterial growth at the tract site. The risk is highest in the early post-procedure period, and factors such as inadequate hand hygiene, contaminated feeds, or poor tube care can increase likelihood. Clinically, infection presents with redness, warmth, tenderness around the stoma, and sometimes purulent discharge. Management focuses on meticulous local care around the stoma, maintaining clean and dry skin, proper dressing, and, if needed, antibiotics for more significant or spreading infection. While tube dislodgement, leakage, and bleeding can occur, they are less common than peristomal infection.

Peristomal infection is the most common complication after gastrostomy placement because the creation of a stoma between the stomach and the abdominal skin exposes skin to gastric contents and intestinal bacteria. This environment, along with moisture around the tube and potential skin irritation from feeds or dressings, facilitates bacterial growth at the tract site. The risk is highest in the early post-procedure period, and factors such as inadequate hand hygiene, contaminated feeds, or poor tube care can increase likelihood. Clinically, infection presents with redness, warmth, tenderness around the stoma, and sometimes purulent discharge. Management focuses on meticulous local care around the stoma, maintaining clean and dry skin, proper dressing, and, if needed, antibiotics for more significant or spreading infection. While tube dislodgement, leakage, and bleeding can occur, they are less common than peristomal infection.