Replacing gastrostomy tubes with collapsible bumpers in pediatric patients: Is it safe to "cut" the tube and allow the bumper to pass enterally?

Purpose: The "cut and push" technique for removal of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tubes with collapsible bumpers offers an alternative to the standard traction method of removal. This study compared the outcomes of these techniques.

Methods: We completed a research ethics board-approved retrospective cohort study, identifying all patients less than 18years of age who underwent PEG tube removal at a children's hospital between December 2013 and December 2016.