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[Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in the ICU]

I O Akinci1, P Ozcan, S Tuğrul

  • 1I.U. Istanbul Tip Fak. Anesteziyoloji ve Reanimasyon A.D. Monoblok 34390 Capa, Istanbul.

Insights

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) reduces aspiration events and positive tracheal cultures in ICU patients requiring long-term enteral nutrition. This procedure improves outcomes for patients with gastroesophageal reflux and coma.

Area of Science:

  • Medicine
  • Gastroenterology
  • Intensive Care Medicine

Background:

  • Aspiration pneumonia is a common complication in intensive care units (ICUs).
  • Gastroesophageal reflux frequently leads to aspiration pneumonia.
  • Long-term enteral nutrition is often required for patients with prolonged ICU stays and coma.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effectiveness of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) in reducing aspiration.
  • To assess the impact of PEG on feeding interruptions and tracheal aspirate cultures.
  • To determine if PEG shortens hospital stay and reduces the risk of aspiration in ICU patients.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective evaluation of 31 patients who underwent PEG between 1997-1998.
  • Indication for PEG was long-term ICU stay and coma necessitating enteral nutrition.
  • Aspiration events, feeding interruptions, and positive tracheal aspirate cultures were assessed before and after PEG placement.

Main Results:

  • Aspiration and feeding interruptions decreased from 1.57 to 0.67 events post-PEG.
  • Positive tracheal aspirate cultures reduced from 3.14 to 1.52 instances after PEG.
  • PEG placement was associated with a reduction in aspiration-related complications.

Conclusions:

  • Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is an effective method for long-term enteral access in ICU patients.
  • PEG significantly reduces the incidence of aspiration and associated complications.
  • PEG improves outcomes for critically ill patients requiring prolonged enteral nutrition.

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