Indications, complications, and long-term results of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy: a retrospective study

The purpose of this study was to determine the indications, success rate, procedure related complications, duration of tube feeding and long-term outcome in 35 consecutive patients in whom we attempted a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG). All procedures were performed in a small University affiliated VA Medical Center Between July 1988 and June 1991 by the same team. Follow-up continued until death or October 1992. The most common indications for PEG were neurologic disorders (n = 30, 90%). PEG was successfully placed in 32 (91%) of the 35 patients. There was no procedure related mortality. Complications occurred in 43% of patients, most of which were minor (97%). In seven patients (22%), tubes were removed as eating was resumed. Two patients died within 30 days of tube placement. Most of the deaths occurred between one and six months (40%) after tube placement. Pneumonia was the most common cause of death and was attributed to aspiration of oropharyngeal secretions. Our experience suggests that PEG is safe and has a low complication rate, even in patients with multiple medical problems.