G-tube/Nissen Opinions Needed

July 17, 2011

Callie has always had feeding issues. She was diagnosed as failure to

thrive early this year and then got a ng-tube at the end of March. In the

meantime she was diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and we

discovered she has many food allergies. We were hopeful the feeding tube

would be temporary, but now it appears she is going to need it for awhile

while we slowly introduce foods and try to determine exactly what she can

and can not have. So it is time to move on and get a g-tube.

I learned there are two types of g-tubes... PEGs and buttons. The PEG seems

to be less convenient since it sticks out, but less involved and risky since

it does not involve surgery. The button seems to be more convenient, but

more risky initially. I was leaning towards playing it safe and just going

with the PEG, but then the surgeon advised Callie seems to be a good

candidate for a Nissen procedure to stop her reflux, which she struggles

with. If we opt for the Nissen we will get the button because surgery will

be required.

I wrote about our appointment with the surgeon in more detail on Callie's

Have many of you had the Nissen? Can you please tell me about your

experience? Did it stop your child's reflux and did everything go smoothly?

Do you have any opinions about a PEG vs. button? I am having trouble

making this decision and it would be helpful to hear about other

experiences.

Thanks so much in advance!

Mommy to Callie (20 months, BPP, EoE)

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