How to avoid complications during percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy.

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) has advantages over open gastrostomy, and is an accepted technique for children. However, a number of technical problems may be encountered during insertion. This report identifies those problems and proposes precautions that can be taken to reduce their likelihood. Recognized major complications include esophageal injury, colonic perforation, wound infection, gastric erosion by the gastrostomy tube, and later symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux requiring correction by fundoplication.