Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40253562›Full record

Observational studyPediatric surgery international2025

A low-cost pediatric gastrostomy securement system for resource-limited settings: a preliminary observational study.

Katherine Hu, Josefina Sáez, Loreto Ludueña, Iván Caro, Alberto González, Valentina Márquez, Mariela Campos, Fernanda Romagnoli, James Wall, Salesa Barja and 1 more

Abstract readObservational Study
PubMed Publisher
In one paragraph

Observational study in Pediatric surgery international, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

11 authors.

Katherine HuStanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA. khu10@stanford.edu.
Josefina SáezSection of Pediatric Surgery, Division of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
Loreto LudueñaHospital Josefina Martínez, Santiago, Chile.
Iván CaroSchool of Design, Faculty of Architecture, Design and Urban Studies, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
Alberto GonzálezSchool of Design, Faculty of Architecture, Design and Urban Studies, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
Valentina MárquezSchool of Design, Faculty of Architecture, Design and Urban Studies, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
Mariela CamposSchool of Design, Faculty of Architecture, Design and Urban Studies, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
Fernanda RomagnoliSchool of Design, Faculty of Architecture, Design and Urban Studies, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
James WallDivision of Pediatric Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
Salesa BarjaRed de Salud UC-CHRISTUS, Santiago, Chile.
Juan Carlos PattilloSection of Pediatric Surgery, Division of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

purposeThe high cost of gastrostomy tubes (G-tubes) limits their use and availability in resource-limited settings, where Foley urinary catheters are commonly used as low-cost alternatives for pediatric feeding. However, when used as feeding tubes, Foley catheters are prone to complications due to inadequate securement. This study aims to clinically validate a novel, low-cost securement device designed to improve the safety and functionality of Foley catheters as a pediatric gastrostomy securement system in low-resource settings.

methodsWe developed a securement device for pediatric feeding tubes in resource-limited settings. The device was tested in 11 children (age 1-15 years) with Foley catheters at a long-term care hospital. Patients were monitored for 8-14 days during device use, with daily assessments for complications. Due to a design defect, the device was modified mid-study. Caregivers and medical staff completed pre- and post-study surveys about their experiences with previous securement methods and our device. The study was approved by the relevant ethics committees.

resultsThe device was successfully used in most patients. 95% of staff and caregivers were able to feed children effectively while using the device, and 85% could do so independently. Additionally, 82% indicated that they would use it again. No major complications occurred. However, minor issues were reported, including leakage in 4 (36%) patients and device dismantling in 7 (64%) patients. Staff and caregiver ratings of their child's pediatric gastrostomy securement system significantly increased after device use, particularly in terms of satisfaction, ease-of-use, and securement. Users liked the device's ability to secure the excess length of the catheter but suggested improvements in durability and ease of installation.

conclusionThe device shows potential as an effective pediatric gastrostomy solution for low-resource settings; it is functional, safe, and easy to use, but requires improvements in durability and ease of installation, which will be addressed in future advancements.

Indexed as

Enteral NutritionGastrostomyAdolescentChildChild, PreschoolEquipment DesignFemaleHumansInfantMaleResource-Limited SettingsFeeding tubesGastrostomyGlobal healthLow-resource settingsMedical innovationPediatrics

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.