Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in head and neck cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE

To present our experience with the indications and complications of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) in head and neck cancer patients.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

In a retrospective study of the patients treated, we reviewed the records of 43 patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer at the Otorhinolaryngology Department, in which a PEG was performed by the Unit of Digestive Endoscopy.

RESULTS

All cases had squamous cell carcinoma. Larynx was the most frequent primary site, with 21 cases (49%), followed by hypopharynx, 12 patients (28%). Indications for PEG were: dysphagia (53.5%) and pharyngocutaneous fistula (43.5%). The most frequent complication was a local infection.

CONCLUSION

PEG is a good choice for long-term enteral feeding in head and neck cancer patients due to its low complication rate and easy handling.