Combined tracheostomy and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Pulmonology
• Surgical Procedures

Background:

• Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a preferred method for long-term enteral feeding due to minimal complications.
• Tracheostomy is the standard for long-term airway management, particularly for protecting against secretions and respiratory failure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and feasibility of performing percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) concurrently with tracheostomy.
• To assess the impact of combined procedures on procedure time and complication rates.
• To determine the incidence of patients requiring tracheostomy among those undergoing PEG.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of 73 percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomies (PEGs) performed in 71 patients over 14 months.
• Procedures were performed under local anesthesia.
• Analysis of patient history for prior tracheostomy and concurrent PEG procedures.

Main Results:

• Out of 71 patients, 9 had prior tracheostomies, and 13 underwent PEG immediately post-tracheostomy.
• Concomitant PEG insertion added minimal time and no significant complications.
• 30.9% of patients undergoing PEG also required tracheostomy.

Conclusions:

• The combination of tracheostomy and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) effectively eliminates the need for nasopharyngeal tubes.
• Concomitant PEG insertion during tracheostomy is a safe and efficient procedure.
• Consideration of concurrent PEG in patients undergoing tracheostomy is recommended.