PEG
-
Percutaneous
Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG)
What
is a PEG?
PEG stands for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, a
procedure through which a flexible feeding tube is placed
through the abdominal wall and into the stomach. It allows
nutrition, fluids and/or medications to be put directly
into the stomach, bypassing the mouth and esophagus. This
brochure will give you a basic understanding of the
procedure - how it's performed, how it can help, and what
side effects you might experience. It can't answer all of
your questions, since a lot depends on the individual
patient and the doctor's professional judgment. Please ask
your doctor about anything you don't understand.
How
is the PEG performed?
Your doctor will use a lighted flexible tube called an
endoscope to guide the creation of a small opening through
the skin of the abdomen and directly into the stomach.
This procedure allows the doctor to place and secure a
feeding tube into the stomach. Patients generally receive
a mild sedative and local anesthesia, and an antibiotic is
given by vein prior to the procedure. Patients can usually
go home the day of the procedure or the next day.
Who
can benefit from a PEG?
Patients who have difficulty swallowing, problems with
their appetite or an inability to take enough nutrition
through the mouth can benefit from this procedure.
How
should I care for the PEG tube?
A dressing will be placed on the PEG site following the
procedure. This dressing is usually removed after one or
two days. After that you should clean the site once a day
with diluted soap and water; keep the site dry between
cleansings. No special dressing or covering is needed.
How
are feedings given? Can I still eat and drink?
Liquid nutritional supplements are given through the PEG
tube using a large syringe, a gravity drip using a tube
connected to a hanging plastic bag, or a mechanical pump.
Your doctor or other health care provider will give you
complete instructions and a demonstration. A PEG does not
prevent a patient from eating or drinking, but your doctor
and you might decide to limit eating or drinking depending
on any associated medical conditions.
Are
there complications from PEG placement?
Complications can occur with the PEG placement. Possible
complications include pain at the PEG site, leakage of
stomach contents around the tube site, and dislodgment or
malfunction of the tube. Possible complications include
infection of the PEG site, aspiration (inhalation of
gastric contents into the lungs), bleeding and perforation
(an unwanted hole in the bowel wall). Your doctor can
describe for you symptoms that could indicate a possible
complication.
How
long do these tubes last? How are they removed?
PEG tubes can last for months or years. However, because
they can break down or become clogged over extended
periods of time, they might need to be replaced. Your
doctor can easily remove or replace a tube without
sedatives or anesthesia, although your doctor might opt to
use sedation and endoscopy in some cases. Your doctor will
pull out the tube using firm traction and will either
insert a new tube or let the opening close if no
replacement is needed. PEG sites close quickly once the
tube is removed, so accidental dislodgment requires
immediate attention.
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