Muscular Dystrophy

Abstract

Gastrostomy tube placement is typically a routine surgical procedure with little concern for morbidity and mortality. However, in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), this is not the case. Patients with DMD present a unique clinical dilemma since they often do not require gastrostomy tube placement until their physical status has deteriorated to the point that they have respiratory insufficiency or failure and clinically significant cardiomyopathy. An understanding of the pathophysiology of this disorder and a proactive approach to perioperative management are important to ensure a positive patient outcome.