Using ultrasound to check gastrostomy tube position

Accuracy of Ultrasound for the Evaluation of Percutaneous Gastrostomy Tube Position and Leakage

NA · University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill · NCT06361498

This study is testing if using ultrasound to check the position of gastrostomy tubes in kids is just as good and faster than the usual method called fluoroscopy.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment10 (estimated)
AgesN/A to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (other)
Locations1 site (Chapel Hill, North Carolina)
Trial IDNCT06361498 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial compares the effectiveness of ultrasound imaging to fluoroscopy for assessing the position of gastrostomy tubes in pediatric patients who have recently undergone tube replacement. The study aims to determine if ultrasound is as accurate as fluoroscopy and whether it requires less time for evaluation. Participants will undergo ultrasound imaging prior to the standard fluoroscopic imaging to assess the position of the gastrostomy tube retention balloon and check for any potential leakage. The findings could lead to improved practices in clinical settings for monitoring gastrostomy tubes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are pediatric patients with a dislodged gastrostomy tube who meet specific minor criteria related to recent tube placement or clinician uncertainty.

Not a fit: Patients over 18 years of age or those who are acutely ill and unstable will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a quicker and equally effective method for evaluating gastrostomy tube positions in children.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of ultrasound for various medical evaluations is established, this specific comparison with fluoroscopy in gastrostomy tube assessment is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

An individual who presents with a dislodged GT and meets one of the following minor criteria:

* Surgical GT placement less than 90 days from presentation
* Traumatic GT dislodgement/removal
* Recent stoma dilation
* Clinician uncertainty about position of GT placement

Exclusion Criteria:

* An individual \>18 years of age
* Acutely ill patients defined as hemodynamically unstable defined as any child who has abnormal vital signs or disruption of vital functions (i.e. airway, breathing, circulation, mental function). Vital signs are based on patient age. Initial assessment of clinical patient stability will be provided by the ordering/referring provider.

Where this trial is running

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Gastrostomy, gastrostomy tube, ultrasound, fluoroscopy

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.