Overgranulation of stoma sites in children with an enteral feeding tube: an evidence-based treatment pathway.

Abstract

Increasing numbers of babies, children and young people are being fed via surgically placed enteral feeding tubes. A common complication of this intervention is overgranulation of the stoma site, which can cause pain, bleeding and leakage of gastric contents. This article reports the findings of a rapid review, undertaken using a critically appraised topic approach, that aimed to identify the most effective treatment options for overgranulation in this context and to support evidence-based practice. Five treatment options were identified: 'do nothing'; natural therapies; non-steroid treatment; corticosteroid treatment; and surgical or cautery removal. Based on the findings of the rapid review, the authors propose an evidence-based treatment pathway for the management of overgranulation of stoma sites in children with an enteral feeding tube. The pathway aims to enable nurses to apply their clinical judgement in treatment choice in partnership with children and families to support family-centred care.