What is percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG)?
Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a surgical procedure for placing a tube for feeding without having to perform an open operation on the abdomen (laparotomy). It is used in who will be unable to take in food by mouth for a prolonged period of time. A gastrostomy, or surgical opening into the stomach, is made through the skin, using a flexible, lighted instrument (endoscope) passed orally into the stomach to assist with the placement of the tube and secure it in place.
What is the purpose of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy?
The purpose of a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is to feed those patients who cannot swallow food. Irrespective of the age of the patient or their medical condition, the purpose of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is to provide fluids and nutrition directly into the stomach and/ or decompression from a small or large bowel obstruction. PEG’s can also be used for palliative decompression in those with bowel obstructions that are not amenable for surgery.
Who does percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy?
Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is done by a physician. The physician may be a general surgeon, an to laryngologist (ENT specialist), radiologist, or a gastroenterologist (gastrointestinal specialist). Where is percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy done? PEG is performed in a hospital or outpatient surgical facility. It is not necessary to perform a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in an operating room.
How is percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy done?
Local anesthesia (usually lidocaine or another spray) may be used to anesthetize the throat. Antibiotics are routinely given to prevent infections. An endoscope (a flexible tube with a camera and a light on the end) is passed through the mouth, throat and esophagus into the stomach. The physician then makes a small incision (cut) in the skin of the abdomen over the stomach and pushes a needle through the skin and into the stomach. The tube for feeding then is pushed or pulled into the stomach by a sequence of maneuvers. The Tube is then secured in place to the skin.
When can the percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy patient go home?
The patient usually can go home the same day or the next morning. What are the possible complications with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy? Possible complications include infection of the puncture site (as in any kind of surgery,) dislodgment of the tube with leakage of the liquid diet that is fed through the tube into the abdomen, and clogging of the tube.
What are the advantages of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy?
Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy takes less time, carries less risk and costs less than a surgical gastrostomy which requires opening the abdomen. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is a commonly performed so there are many physicians with experience in performing the procedure. When feasible, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is preferable to a surgical gastrostomy.
Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy At A Glance
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Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is a procedure that allows nutritional support for patients who cannot take food orally. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy involves placement of a tube through the abdominal wall and into the stomach through which nutritional liquids can be infused.
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Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is a surgical procedure; however, it does not require opening the abdomen or an operating room. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy also does not require general anesthesia.
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Complications of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy include infection, leakage of nutritional liquids that are infused and clogging of the tube.
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Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is preferable to surgical gastrostomy
