Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 13, 2026

A Clinical Trial Assessing the Safety, Efficacy, and Delivery of Olive-Oil-Based Three-Chamber Bags for Parenteral Nutrition
04:53

A Clinical Trial Assessing the Safety, Efficacy, and Delivery of Olive-Oil-Based Three-Chamber Bags for Parenteral Nutrition

Published on: September 20, 2019

Randomized prospective trial of early versus delayed feeding after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy placement

T L McCarter1, S C Condon, R C Aguilar

  • 1Department of Medicine, Loma Linda University Medical Center, CA 92354, USA.

The American Journal of Gastroenterology
|March 28, 1998
PubMed

Insights

Starting tube feedings early after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placement is safe and well-tolerated. This approach can reduce hospital stays and associated costs.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Clinical Nutrition
  • Medical Devices

Background:

  • Clinicians conventionally delay initiating feeding via gastrostomy tubes for 24 hours post-placement.
  • Limited evidence supports the rationale for this delayed start in percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) use.
  • Assessing the safety of early feeding post-PEG is crucial for optimizing patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the safety and tolerance of early initiation of feeding through a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube.
  • To compare outcomes between patients starting PEG feeding at 4 hours versus 24 hours post-placement.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized prospective study involving 112 patients undergoing PEG placement.
  • Patients were assigned to commence tube feedings at either 4 hours (Group A) or 24 hours (Group B) post-placement.
  • Gastric residual volumes were monitored, and complications were assessed at multiple time points.

Main Results:

  • On day one, 25% of patients in the early feeding group (Group A) experienced gastric retention compared to 9% in the delayed group (Group B) (p=0.029).
  • No significant difference in gastric retention was observed on day two.
  • One death due to aspiration occurred in the delayed feeding group; other complications were minor and similar between groups.

Conclusions:

  • Early initiation of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) feedings is safe and well-tolerated.
  • This practice can lead to reduced hospital stays and associated healthcare costs.
  • The findings challenge the conventional 24-hour delay for initiating PEG tube feedings.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Endoscopic Vacuum Therapy for the Treatment of Anastomotic Leakage after Total Gastrectomy with Esophagojejunostomy04:05

Endoscopic Vacuum Therapy for the Treatment of Anastomotic Leakage after Total Gastrectomy with Esophagojejunostomy

Published on: August 22, 2025

Application of Simplified Stent-bridging Pancreaticogastrostomy in Open Pancreaticoduodenectomy10:09

Application of Simplified Stent-bridging Pancreaticogastrostomy in Open Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Published on: March 17, 2026

Related Concept Videos

Endoscopic Procedures I: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy01:29

Endoscopic Procedures I: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy

An Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is a diagnostic procedure in which an endoscopist uses a flexible, lighted endoscope to visualize the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The procedure includes visualizing the oropharynx, esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine, the duodenum.
During an EGD, the endoscope can be used to:
Endoscopic Procedures V: ERCP01:26

Endoscopic Procedures V: ERCP

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a diagnostic procedure that combines endoscopy and fluoroscopy to diagnose and treat conditions related to the bile ducts, pancreatic ducts, and gallbladder. This procedure is beneficial for identifying and addressing blockages, gallstones, strictures, and tumors within the biliary or pancreatic systems. ERCP is both diagnostic and therapeutic, offering the ability to visualize and treat identified problems in one session.
Patient...
Enteral Nutrition I: Orogastric and Nasogastric Feeding01:26

Enteral Nutrition I: Orogastric and Nasogastric Feeding

Enteral nutrition delivers nutrients directly to the stomach or small intestine through a tube. This method is appropriate for patients who cannot eat but still have a functioning digestive system. It is also beneficial for individuals with swallowing difficulties, anorexia, malabsorption, or those who have undergone gastrointestinal (GI) surgery.
Orogastric (OG) and nasogastric (NG) feeding are two standard methods used for enteral nutrition. Enteral nutrition is often preferred over...
Enteral Nutrition II: Nasointestinal and Gastrostomy Feeding01:15

Enteral Nutrition II: Nasointestinal and Gastrostomy Feeding

Enteral nutrition encompasses various methods of delivering nutrition directly to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, bypassing traditional oral intake. It is particularly beneficial for patients who cannot eat by mouth but have a functioning digestive system. Key methods include nasointestinal feeding, gastrostomy, and jejunostomy, each suited to different clinical scenarios based on the patient's needs and condition.
Nasointestinal Feeding
Nasointestinal feeding involves placing a tube through...