Gastrostomy tube thickness: 12 Fr versus 14 Fr in children

Does the Thickness of the Gastrostomy Affect the Incidence of Complications? A Prospective Randomized Single-Center Study in Children

Not applicable Interventional Uppsala University Hospital · NCT07300865

This test will compare whether a thinner 12 Fr or a thicker 14 Fr gastrostomy tube leads to fewer complications in children having a laparoscopic gastrostomy.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment200 (estimated)
AgesN/A to 15 Years
SexAll
SponsorUppsala University Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Uppsala)
Trial IDNCT07300865 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a prospective, randomized, single-center comparison of two gastrostomy tube sizes placed by laparoscopic technique in children. Families and healthcare personnel will complete questionnaires about complications at the first tube change, three months after surgery. The study will record granuloma, infection, pain, tube dislocation and leakage as predefined outcomes. Children with a clinical reason to require a specific tube size (for example to handle mixed foods or medications that might clog a smaller tube) are excluded.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Children scheduled for laparoscopic gastrostomy at Uppsala Akademiska University Hospital who have no medical reason to require a specific tube size are eligible.

Not a fit: Children who must receive a particular tube size because of mixed feeding, medications that risk clogging, or other specific clinical reasons are unlikely to benefit from randomization.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If the smaller tube reduces complications, children could experience fewer wound problems and easier everyday feeding after gastrostomy.

How similar studies have performed: There is limited randomized evidence directly comparing 12 Fr and 14 Fr gastrostomy tubes in children, so this comparison is relatively novel and pragmatic.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Scheduled for laparoscopic gastrostomy at Dep Pediatric Surgery Uppsala Akademiska University Hospital

Exclusion Criteria:

* Any specific reasons to avoid one size or the other (children who are supposed to get mixed food or a special medication that can obstruate the tube will recieve a thicker tube)

Where this trial is running

Uppsala

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Gastrostomy ComplicationsGastrostomy SizeFood IntoleranceGranulomalaparoscopic gastrostomycomplicationspediatric surgerychildren
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.