An assessment of the relationship between body mass index and minor complications in percutaneous gastrostomy tubes

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of our study was to determine if patients with obesity have different postoperative outcomes than their peers. Material and Methods: A single-center retrospective review of all fluoroscopically-guided percutaneous gastrostomy tube, with 183 patients and 90 patients in the BAG and dilator groups, respectively. Patients were stratified, based on body mass index (BMI) percentile and for age. Demographic information and data on medical comorbidities and post-operative complications were collected. All analyses were conducted using Chi-square or Kruskal–Wallis testing. Results: The median BMI was 26.6 kg/m2 with a standard deviation of 7.7. 106 (38.8%) patients were classified in the normal BMI category, 57 (20.9%) were overweight, and 50 (28.3%) were classified as obese. No major complications were reported in either group. 106 patients (38.8%) reported minor complications. The most common complication observed across both groups was procedural pain, with a higher incidence in the balloon group compared to the dilator group (17.5% vs. 12.2%). Dislodgement emerged as the second most common complication, occurring more frequently in the balloon group (12%) compared to the dilator group (6.7%). When considering weight categories, the overall rate of minor complications was highest among underweight patients (57.6%, P = 0.124). Both underweight and normal BMI patients showed a significantly higher incidence of tube dislodgement compared to other BMI categories (27.2% and 9.4%, respectively, P = 0.015). In a multivariable logistic regression, age was associated with an increased risk of minor complications (odds ratio [OR] 1.03, F [1.01, 1.05], P = 0.002). BAG had a greater OR for minor complication rate compared to dilator-assisted gastrostomy, although the difference was not statistically significant (OR 1.19, 95% confidence interval [0.69, 2.06]). Conclusion: Few studies have identified the relationship between BMI and complications related to gastrostomy tube placement. Our study highlights the importance of individualized care for patients across different BMI classes to minimize complications and improve patient outcomes.