[Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy for enteral nutrition. An evaluation of 50 patients]

The increased use of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) for enteral nutrition, combined with the large number of different gastrostomy tubes available, should initiate a discussion about indications and practice. 50 patients who had had a gastrostomy for enteral nutrition performed at the Regional Hospital in Ostfold during the period 1993-96 have been evaluated. The method is safe and should be considered early if enteral nutrition is required. Few and only minor complications have been reported. Most adult patients will do well with a gastrostomy tube, the need for a button is presently being discussed. Users must be given detailed information on the management and use of a gastrostomy for enteral nutrition. An out-patient clinic for these patients--staffed by nurses--has shown good results. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy for enteral nutrition can be used in the home, but the conditions must be well organized.