Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a procedure that places a tube through the abdominal wall and into the stomach.
A gastrostomy tube provides an alternative feeding site. It may be needed to:
If you are planning to have a PEG, your doctor will review a list of possible complications which may include:
Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:
Your doctor may do the following:
Leading up to your procedure:
You will be given antibiotics for the procedure.
An endoscope is a long thin tool with a light and camera. It will be inserted through your mouth, down your throat, and into your stomach. The camera will send images to a video monitor. The doctor will use the images to find the right spot to insert the PEG feeding tube.
A needle will be inserted through the abdominal wall and into the stomach at the chosen spot. Using the endoscope, the doctor will locate the end of the needle inside the body. A thin wire will be passed from the outside of the body, through this needle, and into the stomach. This wire will be grasped with a snare in the abdomen and pulled out through the mouth. There will be a thin wire entering the front of the abdomen, going into the stomach, and continuing up and out of the mouth. The PEG feeding tube will then be attached to this wire. The wire will be pulled back out from the abdomen. This will pull the PEG tube down into the body.
A small incision will be made in your abdomen. The tube will be pulled until the tip comes out of the incision in the abdominal wall. A soft, round bumper will be attached to the ends of the PEG tube. It will keep the tube secure. Sterile gauze will be placed around the incision site. The PEG tube will be taped to your abdomen.
30-45 minutes
Anesthesia prevents pain during the procedure. You may feel some discomfort. For a couple of days after the procedure, you may have minor pain and soreness at the incision site. This may feel like a pulled muscle. Your doctor can prescribe medicine to relieve this discomfort.
The usual length of stay is one day. Your doctor may choose to keep you longer if complications arise.
After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:
RESOURCES:
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
http://www.asge.org/
Oral Cancer Foundation
http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Dietitians of Canada
http://www.dietitians.ca/
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index_e.html/
References:
Avitsland TL, Kristensen C, Emblem R, et al. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in children: a safe technique with major symptom relief and high parental satisfaction. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2006;43:624-628.
Ljungdahl M, Sundbom M. Complication rate lower after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy than after surgical gastrostomy: a prospective, randomized trial. Surg Endos. 2006;20:1248-1251.
Overview—percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG). Cleveland Clinic website. Available at: http://my.clevelandclinic.org/services/Percutaneous_Endoscopic_Gastrostomy_PEG/hic_Percutaneous_Endoscopic_Gastrostomy_PEG.aspx. Accessed June 13, 2008.
Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG). American College of Gastroenterology website. Available at: http://www.gi.org/patients/gihealth/peg.asp. Accessed June 21, 2009.
Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG). American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy website. Available at: http://www.asge.org/PatientInfoDefault.aspx?id=364. Accessed June 13, 2008.
Last reviewed October 2009 by Daus Mahnke, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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