Gastrostomy tubes in patients with recurrent gynaecological cancer and intestinal obstruction.

摘要

OBJECTIVE: Women with recurrent gynaecological cancers who are not suitable for exenterative surgery commonly present with gastrointestinal dysfunction. This paper is a retrospective review of the use of gastrostomy tubes in such women. METHODS: We performed a chart review of women with recurrent gynaecological cancer who had a gastrostomy tube placed between January 1991 and April 1998. RESULTS: Thirty-nine women (mean age 53.2 years, range 17-82) had a gastrostomy tube placed. Twenty-eight (72%) had ovarian cancer, eight (21%) had cervical cancer, two had endometrial cancer and one had vaginal cancer. In 14 women a gastrostomy tube was placed as the sole procedure for palliation (11 elective, 3 emergency). In the remaining 25 women, who underwent major surgery, a gastrostomy tube was placed in anticipation of, or in the presence of, significant intestinal distension and expected prolonged post-operative ileus. Eleven women (28%) died without leaving hospital after their operation (median 11 days, range 2-36). All but one of the 28 women who left hospital had satisfactory oral intake. Twenty-one women (54%) died with the gastrostomy tube in place (median 28 days, range 2-157) and 18 (46%) had the gastrostomy tube removed (median 14.5 days, range 9-180), 13 of whom (33%) have since died (median 167 days, range 77 days-7 years). Five women (13%) are alive (median 2.2 years, range 10 months-4.5 years). There were no problems which required the gastrostomy tube to be removed. CONCLUSION: Gastrostomy tubes have an important role in the treatment of women with recurrent gynaecological cancer, allowing gastric drainage and decompression without the disadvantages of nasogastric tubes.