A Prospective Evaluation of Non-Operative Treatments for Gastrocutaneous Fistulae in Children

Purpose:To compare the efficacy of a non-surgical intervention bundle for the prevention and treatment of persistent gastrocutaneous fistulae.

Hypothesis: The investigators hypothesize that the bundled delivery of 3 non-surgical interventions will reduce the development of GCFs and subsequently the need for surgical closure as compared to an established historical control group.

Justification: Persistent gastrocutaneous fistulae are common complications after gastrostomy tube removal (33%), with the current gold-standard treatment being operative intervention; exposing the child to the risks of anesthesia and surgery. Several non-surgical treatments exist, and have shown promise in small retrospective studies, however their true efficacy is yet to be elucidated through a prospective trial. Non-surgical treatment options include the use of proton-pump inhibitors, topical fibrin glue, silver nitrate application, and collagen plugging. As standard of care, patients may receive one, none or a combination of these non-surgical treatments based on clinician decision.

Objectives: The objective of this study is to prospectively evaluate the efficacy of a bundled delivery of non-surgical adjuncts immediately after gastrostomy tube removal and compare outcomes to the historical rate of GCF development.

Research Design: This study is a prospective observational "pre-post" study, which will compare our intervention arm (non-surgical intervention bundle) with a recently established historical control group (completed systematic review of all reported cases). Baseline data will be entered at the time of enrollment. Assessment of our primary outcome (rate of GCF one month after treatment) and secondary outcomes (including an estimate of treatment cost, complications, treatment satisfaction, and need for further interventions) will be made at standard 2 and 4 week follow-up visits.