Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy feeding in the adult patient

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a procedure in which a feeding tube is passed through the abdominal wall directly into the stomach under endoscopic guidance, enabling nutrients, medication and fluids to be delivered directly into the stomach. PEG feeding is the most common form of enteral feeding in people requiring artificial nutritional support for longer than 4-6 weeks. However, the procedure is not without risk, and although most patients experience few problems with their PEG tube, complications do occur. It is important that nurses are able to recognize the risks and problems associated with PEG feeding, and know what actions can be taken to minimize the risks and how to treat the complications when they occur. This article details insertion of the PEG tube and its subsequent care, highlighting possible early and late complications associated with PEG feeding and the steps that can be taken to minimize their occurrence.