Prospective randomized comparison of two different sized percutaneous endoscopically placed gastrostomy tubes

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tubes are crucial for nutritional support in patients with swallowing difficulties.
• The optimal size of PEG tubes for minimizing complications remains a subject of investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the incidence of PEG-related complications between two different tube sizes: 12 French Gauge (FG) and 20 FG.
• To evaluate the impact of PEG tube diameter on insertion-related and feeding-related complications.

Main Methods:

• A prospective randomized study involving 52 patients requiring PEG insertion.
• Patients were allocated to either a 12 FG or 20 FG PEG tube group, with prophylactic antibiotics administered.
• Complications including mortality, peristomal infections, leakage, and tube blockage were monitored over a 190-day follow-up period.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant differences were observed in mortality, peristomal infections, leakage, or tube blockage between the 12 FG and 20 FG groups.
• The incidence of insertion- and feeding-related complications was not influenced by PEG tube size.
• The 12 FG PEG tubes were noted to be easier and less traumatic to insert.

Conclusions:

• PEG tube size does not significantly influence the incidence of major complications.
• The ease of insertion and reduced trauma associated with 12 FG PEG tubes support considering their wider clinical application.