Etymed
gastrostomy
Definition
surgical creation of an opening into the stomach for feeding or drainage
Clinical context
A 65-year-old man with head and neck cancer requiring long-term nutritional support presents for placement of a feeding tube. The oncology team decides on a gastrostomy tube rather than a jejunostomy tube for easier maintenance and lower risk of complications. The procedure is performed under fluoroscopic guidance, allowing direct visualization of the tube placement in the stomach.
Mnemonic
Gastro = stomach, so GASTROstomy = stomach opening for feeding