[Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy: 5-year experience at out center (1997-2002)]

Gauderer and Ponsky first described percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) in 1979. It was introduced as a routine method in the Division of Gastroenterology, University Hospital Rebro, Zagreb, in 1995. Over the years the number of PEG insertions has increased significantly. We reviewed the available literature and compared the results with our experience according to indications, complications and efficacy of the procedure. We inserted PEG in 86 patients from January 1, 1997 until January 31, 2002. There were 40 females and 46 males. The most frequent indication for PEG insertion was a neurological condition (60/86). There were no deaths directly related to the procedure. One patient had a leakage of PEG feeding into the peritoneal cavity that caused severe peritonitis and required urgent laparatomy within 24 hours of the PEG insertion. Two patients had local infection and the tube had to be removed. The antibiotic prophylaxis has been given to 65 patients. Our experience confirms that PEG is a relatively safe and well tolerated procedure.