Persistent gastrocutaneous fistula: factors affecting the need for closure.

Purpose: The occurrence of gastrocutaneous fistula (GCF) is a well-known complication after gastrostomy tube placement. We explore multiple factors to ascertain their impact on the rate of persistent GCF formation.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patient records for all gastrostomies (GT) constructed at our institution from 2007 to 2011.

Postoperative follow-up: is a phone call enough?

Background/purpose: At our institution, patients undergoing selected operative procedures are referred to a protocol for telephone follow-up by surgical specialty nurses. Our objective was to review our experience with this protocol to determine if telephone follow-up is a safe and preferred alternative to the traditional postoperative clinic visit.

Methods: Records of patients followed up by telephone over 6 months were evaluated for information regarding each patient's postoperative course.