Microorganisms and complaints in outpatients with a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy catheter

We analyzed the presence of microorganisms at the insertion site of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) catheters of 100 patients to investigate the microbiologic flora and its possible relation with complaints.

Outpatients visiting our hospital PEG-catheter team were included. Symptoms and the local aspect of the skin at the insertion site were described systematically and swabs were taken to analyze the presence of pathogenic microorganisms.

The mean age of these 100 patients (55 men) was 62 ± 14 years (range, 3-89 years). Oropharyngeal carcinoma (n = 59) and neurologic disorders (n = 27) were the most frequent indications for a PEG catheter. The mean insertion time was 17 ± 20 months (range, 3-99 months). In 15 patients no microorganisms were found. In 85 patients we found Candida albicans (n = 37; 44%), Staphylococcus aureus (n = 28; 33%), Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, and enterococci (5%-20%). None of the patients reported discomfort. Pain or itching was reported by 24 patients. We did not find any statistically significant relationship between colonization, microorganisms, complaints, and aspect of skin.

The insertion sites of PEG catheters in outpatients are frequently colonized, especially with C albicans, S aureus, and E coli, without clinical consequences. We did not find a relationship between microorganisms at the insertion sites of PEG catheters and signs and symptoms.