[Our experience with percutaneous trans-esophageal gastrotubing (PTEG)]

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) has been generally used as a long-term enteral nutrition route for patients in whom oral intake is impossible. Percutaneous trans-esophageal gastrotubing (PTEG) is useful for the patients in whom PEG insertion has not been indicated. A gastroenterologist usually performs PTEG in Japan, but in our hospital otolaryngologists have performed this procedure. From 2006 to 2012, we experienced 9 patients who underwent PTEG insertion without a life-threatening adverse event. An otolaryngologist who is accustomed to the cervical procedures can safely perform PTEG insertion.