Service evaluation of having an additional CT scan for motor neurone disease patients undergoing a gastrostomy.
Newman J., Allen P., Husainy A., Petrova S., Thompson A., Turner M., Marsden R.
This article presents the findings of a 6-month service evaluation following the addition of a computed tomography (CT) abdomen scan to the gastrostomy placement pathway for patients with motor neurone disease (MND).Backgroundseveral patients had failed percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placements. A CT scan was introduced to identify if it would be possible to place a PEG or another gastrostomy such as a radiologically inserted gastrostomy (RIG).AimsTo assess cost-effectiveness of adding a CT scan to the pathway and evaluate if it was improving patient experience.MethodData from 1 February 2024 to 1 August 2024 indicated when the PEG was planned, CT outcomes and whether the gastrostomy was successful.ResultsResults from patients (n=19) showed changes from the CT scan for 4 patients; 18 patients had a successful gastrostomy. There were cost savings from the implementation of the CT scan. There were minimal differences reported by patients in post-procedural complications.ConclusionIncorporating a CT scan before gastrostomy procedures for patients with MND can enhance planning, reduce failures, and improve patient outcomes. Cost savings were evident.