Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy

The development of an endoscopic procedure for the placement of a gastrostomy feeding tube has revived interest in the use of this technique for nutritional support. The medical literature has reported a considerable amount of experience which attests to its ease of placement and low incidence of complications associated with placement. The "push" and "pull" techniques both have been used effectively to establish access to the stomach. Innovations by numerous practitioners have helped reduce some of the minor complications associated with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placement. Serious complications from pulmonary aspiration and stomal infection remain important management issues after gastrostomy placement and initiation of feeding. The adequacy of nutritional support should be the final measure of successful PEG placement.