New Technique to Insert Gastrostomy ‘Feeding' Tube for Kids at SKMC Reduces Complications and Recovery Time

SKMC One of Very Few Centres in the Region to Undertake New Technique: Chief of Paediatric Gastroenterology

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: A new technique to insert gastrostomy ‘feeding’ tubes for paediatric patients is now used at Abu Dhabi’s flagship hospital, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC).

The paediatric team at SKMC, which is managed by Cleveland Clinic, is using a combined endoscopic (through the mouth) and laparoscopic (through the belly button) technique to insert the tube, rather than the classical procedure of an open surgery.

Dr. Mohammed Miqdady, Chief of Paediatric Gastroenterology at SKMC, is leading the new procedure in conjunction with the paediatric surgeon at the hospital, and maintains that SKMC is one of very few centres in the region to use it.

“This new procedure is shorter, has less complications and recovery is faster than the traditional technique using open surgery. Children can be fed through the tube the very next day this way, as opposed to up to two days traditionally. It also means patients and their families can go home sooner, which is a huge relief for them.” Dr. Miqdady, who is certified with the American and Jordanian Boards of Pediatrics and Pediatric Gastroenterology, said.

Dr. Miqdady and the team have now successfully completed two gastrostomy tube insertions using the new method, avoiding complications such as injury to adjacent organs as well as bleeding.

“Bringing best practice and the most cutting edge of healthcare technology to the country and region is the way SKMC operates. Our philosophy is to put patients first, and the best way to do this is to ensure that their quality of care is at the highest levels, that they have the best available treatment options, and that their experience in the hospital is as pleasant and as quick as possible,” said Dr. Abdulmajeed Al Zubaidi, the hospital’s Chief Medical Officer, certified with the American Board of Internal Medicine.

SKMC is part of the SEHA Health System and is owned and operated by Abu Dhabi Health Services Company PJSC (SEHA), which is responsible for the curative activities of all the public hospitals and clinics in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.