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Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy

W Sangster1, G D Cuddington, B L Bachulis

  • 1Department of Surgery, Emanuel Hospital and Health Center, Portland, Oregon 97227.

Insights

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a safe and effective method for gastrointestinal access. This study found PEG to be superior to operative gastrostomy for patients unable to nourish themselves orally.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Minimally Invasive Surgery

Background:

  • Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a widely accepted procedure.
  • Patients requiring nutritional support often face challenges with oral intake.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the safety and efficacy of PEG.
  • To compare PEG with operative gastrostomy.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective review of 155 PEG procedures performed over 3.5 years.
  • Utilized the Ponsky et al. technique, with preoperative antibiotics in most cases.
  • Procedures often performed under local anesthesia, sometimes concurrently with tracheostomies.

Main Results:

  • 155 PEGs were performed on patients with inability to nourish orally.
  • 17 complications (11%) occurred, including 2 deaths (1%).
  • PEG demonstrated superiority compared to operative gastrostomy.

Conclusions:

  • PEG is a safe and rapid method for gastrointestinal access.
  • PEG should be considered the preferred method for tube gastrostomy placement.

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