Design of a Dressing for Gastrostomy Buttons in Pediatric Population

In order to address complications associated with gastrostomy buttons (G-buttons) or tubes (G-tubes) in children, the investigators developed two multi-component securement dressings. The purpose of this study is to try these dressings and obtain parental feedback.

This will involve survey using questionnaires before and after the use of two different G-tube dressings. Eligible patients will be identified by a nurse practitioner or attending surgeon. The researcher will obtain consent from the patient or their parents/legal guardian. The investigators will ask a series of questions regarding their current experience dressing and maintaining G-tube stomas. A week supply of each new prototype dressing will be provided to the patient or parent. Caregivers will be educated on the use of each dressing and will be given a number to call should they have any questions or concerns. The dressings will be changed daily and as needed. Once the patient is enrolled and provided with dressings, the investigators will perform a follow up telephone interview at one week to evaluate their experience and ensure they did not experience any adverse events. Caregivers will be given a second questionnaire to collect feedback on the dressings after two weeks either in person or over the telephone. They will be asked to choose their preferred dressing, provide feedback on advantages and disadvantages of each type and report adverse events. For inpatients, the investigators will obtain opinions from parents, patients, nurses and doctors. Photographs will be obtained at each outpatient visit or during the inpatient period for objective comparison.

Once more iterations are developed, they will undergo the same clinical trial process (involving 10-15 subjects).

Inclusion criteria

• Patients with a pre-existing a G-tube
• Patients presenting to the G-tube or surgery clinic for G-tube replacement at Children's Hospital, Aurora, Colorado.
• Patients admitted to the hospital with a pre-existing G-tube for reasons unrelated to the G-tube will be eligible for the study if they have issues with the G-tube site.

Exclusion criteria

• Refusal to participate
• Those with other types of gastrostomy tubes (other than Mini Balloon Button)
• Those whose parents or legal guardians cannot be reached by telephone
• Prisoners
• Pregnant women
• Decisionally challenged subjects