Percutaneous Transesophageal Gastrostomy: Procedural Technique and Outcomes

To demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of percutaneous transesophageal gastrostomy (PTEG) as a palliative option in patients with malignant bowel obstructions (MBOs), and provide a comprehensive review of PTEG indications, placement technique, and short- and long-term outcomes.

Thirty-eight consecutive patients who underwent a PTEG procedure attempt from 2014 to 2022 were included in this analysis. Clinical indications, method of placement, technical and clinical success, adverse events, including procedure-related mortality, and effectiveness were assessed. Technical success was defined as placement of a PTEG. Clinical success was defined as improvement in clinical symptoms following PTEG placement.

Of the 38 patients who underwent PTEG, 19 (50%) were men and 19 (50%) were women (median age, 58 years; range, 21-75 years). Three (8%) PTEG placements were performed with the patients under moderate sedation, whereas the remainder (92%) were performed with the patients under general anesthesia. Technical success was achieved in 35 of the 38 (92%) patients. The mean catheter duration was 61 days (median, 29 days; range, 1-562 days), with 5 of the 35 patients requiring tube exchanges after initial placement. Moreover, 7 of the 35 patients with successful PTEG placement experienced an adverse event, including 1 case of non-procedure-related mortality. All patients with successful PTEG placement experienced improvement in clinical symptoms.

PTEG is an effective and safe option for patients with contraindications to traditional percutaneous gastrostomy tube placement in the setting of MBO. PTEG is an effective means of providing palliation and improving the quality of life.