Percutaneous Endoscopic gastrostomy
(PEG tube insertion)
Indication:
A PEG tube bypasses the throat and esophagus (food pipe) and can therefore be used for people who have difficulty with swallowing or if there is a risk of the food going into the lungs. Although this can also be achieved by passing a thin tube via the nose and into the stomach, for people who need tube feeding for long periods of time, a PEG is more comfortable and easier to manage at home. PEG tubes are also more discreet as they can be tucked away under your clothes.
Procedure:
An endoscope is passed through the mouth guard, down the esophagus and into the stomach to localize the position of the PEG on the inside. An antiseptic solution is used to clean the skin. A local anesthetic is used to numb the area where the PEG tube will be placed, a needle is then inserted through the abdominal wall into the stomach. The PEG is inserted along the needle tract. A small disc or balloon on the tip of the PEG keeps the tube from being accidentally pulled out. Another disc on the outside anchors the tube to hold the stomach close to the abdominal wall to prevent spillage into the abdominal cavity. Sometimes a small dressing is placed over the tube, but this is often not needed.
Please note: PEG feeding will not alter the outcome of your underlying disease or condition.
Possible complications:
The risk of a major complication is about 3%. This includes:
- breathing problems either during or after the procedure.
- Injury to the small or large bowel with perforation.
- Inflammation/infection in the abdomen due to leakage from the stomach.
There is a 0.7-2.1% risk of dying from PEG placement. Minor complications occur in about 20% of cases and are mostly related to infection around the site of the tube and leakage from the site of the tube, which can be managed mostly without further interventions.
It is important that you are aware of and understand the risks before you agree to have a PEG tube inserted.
Duration:
N/A