Lakmini Chandralekha¹, Hashini Dilshika¹, Anuradhi Jayapathum², Mithun Samaranayake², Wathsala Hathagoda³, Malik Samarasinghe⁴
1- Stoma Clinic, Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children, Sri Lanka
2- Gastroenterology Clinic, Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children, Sri Lanka
3- Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka
4- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka
Abstract Body
Introduction: Gastrostomy-related granulation tissue formation is a frequent complication encountered in children who require long-term enteral feeding.
Objectives: To evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of table salt as a low-cost, simple management option for peristomal granulation tissue in children.
Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on 47 children who received table salt application at the stoma clinic of the Lady Ridgeway Hospital, using the clinic database. One session was defined application of table salt for 20 minutes. The length of the granulation tissue was measured as the largest vertical diameter using a ruler.
Results: The majority of them (57 .4%) were males. The mean age was 6.34 years (SD = 4.55). Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tubes were present in 29.8%, and replacement tubes in 70.2%. All patients achieved complete resolution of granulation tissue without side effects. The median number of sessions required is 3 (range 1-6). A statistically significant association was observed between the initial diameter of the granulation tissue and the number of sessions required (Kruskal- Wallis H = 25.43, p < 0.000). A significant correlation was observed between the number of sessions required and the duration between the granulation tissue formation and the surgery (r=0.410, p=0.004). There was no significant association with the type of tube (p=0.741) and the type of surgery (p=0.457). The recurrence rate was 76.6%.
Conclusions: Table salt is an effective, low-cost, and safe treatment for gastrostomy-related granulation tissue in paediatric patients. Large granulation tissues require more treatment sessions. This method does not prevent the recurrence of granulation tissue.