Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy: Procedure, Complications and Management

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Endoscopy
• Surgical Procedures

Background:

• Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is indicated for patients with inadequate oral intake requiring enteral feeding or gastric decompression.
• PEG feeding is often preferred over nasogastric tube feeding due to enhanced patient comfort, suitability for long-term use, and improved feeding efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide practical guidelines for the selection and preparation of patients undergoing PEG procedures.
• To detail proper endoscopic insertion techniques for PEG placement.
• To outline strategies for early recognition and management of PEG-related complications.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature and clinical practices related to PEG insertion and management.
• Emphasis on patient selection criteria, including the management of anticoagulation and prophylactic antibiotics.
• Discussion of endoscopic techniques and potential complications.

Main Results:

• PEG offers significant advantages over nasogastric tubes for long-term enteral nutrition and decompression.
• Key preparation steps include careful patient selection, anticoagulation management, and antibiotic prophylaxis.
• While most complications are minor, serious adverse events like bleeding, infection, and organ injury can occur.

Conclusions:

• Effective patient selection, meticulous technique, and prompt complication management are crucial for successful PEG procedures.
• Adherence to guidelines ensures optimal outcomes and patient safety in enteral feeding via PEG.
• This review serves as a practical resource for clinicians performing and managing PEG tubes.