Complications and survival following percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube placement

percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is considered as a safe and effective method for nutritional support in patients with malnutrition and swallowing impairment with an estimated survival of over two months. Some indications, such as advanced cognitive decline, contraindicate the technique.

all patients who underwent PEG placement between January 2001 and May 2019 were included. Clinical data, indication, complications, and mortality were retrospectively analyzed.

a total of 648 patients (46.5 % male, mean age 70 ± 18.5 years) were included. The most common indications for PEG were advanced cognitive decline (31.5 %) and cerebrovascular disease (18.8 %). The mean follow-up was 12.07 months (IQR 3.27-34.73); 39.5 % of patients experienced complications (systemic 17.9 %, local 28.5 %). The most frequent were bronchoaspiration (9.7 %) and rupture/dysfunction (13.9 %), respectively. The presence of early complications (HR 1.63 [1.20-2.21]) and age (HR 1.02 [1.01-1.02]) was associated with shorter survival time, while female sex was a protective factor (HR 0.78 [0.66-0.94]).

PEG is not without complications, with 39.5 % of patients experiencing them. Patients with early complications, male sex and older age have lower survival following PEG placement.