gastrostomy /gastros″təmē/ [Gk, gaster + stoma, mouth] , surgical creation of an artificial opening into the stomach through the abdominal wall. It is performed to prevent malnutrition and starvation in patients who have esophageal cancer or tracheoesophageal fistula, who may be unconscious for a prolonged period, or who are unable to swallow as a result of a cerebrovascular accident, Alzheimer’s disease, or another disorder. It also permits retrograde dilation of an esophageal stricture. The anterior wall of the stomach is drawn forward and sutured to the abdominal wall. A Foley catheter or other tube or a special prosthesis is then inserted into an incision in the stomach, and the opening is tightly sutured to prevent leakage of the stomach contents. The device is clamped and is opened when liquid food supplement is instilled. After surgery glucose water may be given, followed by a slow continuous feeding of a warm blended formula to increase absorption. The skin is kept clean and dry around the site. Skin irritation indicates leakage of gastric secretions and digestive enzymes.
