Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in the open abdomen patient

Nutrition support of critically ill patients is an integral element to their multimodal care. We describe the placement of a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) for long-term enteral access in a patient with an open abdomen. To our knowledge, this is the third successfully reported case that demonstrates the viability of PEG in this uncommon population. In critically ill and malnourished surgical patients with contraindications for immediate abdominal closure, PEG should be strongly considered as a procedure for enteral feedings.