Witzel Gastrostomy in Gynecologic Surgery

• Published in: Gynecologic oncology Vol. 67; no. 3; pp. 291 - 294
• Main Authors: Helmkamp, B.Frederick, Krebs, Hans- B., Kiley, Linda A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: San Diego, CA Elsevier Inc 01.12.1997; Elsevier
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; bowel obstruction; Female; Gastrostomy - adverse effects; Gastrostomy - methods; Gynecologic Surgical Procedures; Humans; ileus; Medical sciences; Surgery (general aspects). Transplantations, organ and tissue grafts. Graft diseases; Surgery of the genital tract and mammary gland; Witzel gastrostomy; bowel obstruction; ileus; Witzel gastrostomy; Gastrostomy; Human; Stomach; Treatment; Exeresis; Surgery; Surgical decompression; Female genital system; Female; Technique; Malignant tumor; Female genital diseases
• ISSN: 0090-8258; 1095-6859
• DOI: 10.1006/gyno.1997.4864

Tube gastrostomy is a well-accepted procedure for gastrointestinal decompression and the relief of small bowel obstruction. The Witzel technique was used in 123 patients undergoing pelvic–abdominal surgery for known or suspected gynecologic malignancy or for clinical bowel obstruction. For 115 patients, the tube remained in place from 3 to 18 days (mean, 8 days). Eight patients were discharged from the hospital with the tube in place, and these functioned successfully from 43 to 136 days. Sixteen patients (13%) had complications, but there was neither long-term morbidity nor mortality associated with the tube. Witzel gastrostomy, using a Foley catheter, is easily learned, inexpensive, and has an acceptable complication rate. When the need for long-term gastrointestinal decompression is anticipated, Witzel gastrostomy is preferred to nasogastric tube suctioning to facilitate patient care and comfort.