Non-invasive mechanical ventilation as an alternative respiratory support during gastrostomy tube placement, in a patient with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, 24/24 hours ventilation dependent.

Patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy may benefit from gastrostomy tube feeding due to progressive dysphagia and malnutrition. However, due to concomitant pathologies, they are often at high risk for anesthesiologic complications. We describe how the non-invasive mechanical ventilation has been an alternative successful respiratory support option during the gastrostomy tube placement in a patient with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, on continuous NIV treatment. This report confirms how the use of NIV can support alveolar ventilation, before, during and after mini-invasive procedures, and prevent respiratory complications.