Evaluation of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in a university hospital.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) has become a commonly performed procedure to provide nutritional support for chronically ill patients. The aim of this study was to review the safety and results of PEG in a teaching hospital.

METHODOLOGY: A retrospective review of 44 patients who underwent PEG procedure. The indication was long-term enteral feeding in patients who were unable to maintain adequate nutrition by mouth with an otherwise functioning gut. The most common primary diagnosis was cerebrovascular accident (17 patients). All patients were unable to swallow.

RESULTS

There were six (13.6%) minor complications, and two mortalities from peritonitis (4.5%). The most common complication was gastrostomy site infection, which did not require exchange of the feeding tube.

CONCLUSIONS

PEG is a useful means of providing nutrition in patients unable to swallow without the necessity for laparotomy and general anesthesia. This method provides an adequate avenue for enteral alimentation in selected patients and is relatively safe. Careful attention to the technique of insertion is important to prevent leakage or bowel perforation.