Next Article

PEG - Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy

Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy
 
What is a PEG?

PEG means percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, a process in which a bendable feeding tube is placed with the stomach wall and to the stomach. PEG allows nutrition, fluids and/or medications to be put directly into the stomach, bypassing the mouth and esophagus. This brochure provides you with a basic understanding of the procedure - how it's carried out, the way it might help, and what side effects you may knowledge.

 

Who are able to take advantage of a PEG?

Patients who have difficulty swallowing, issues with their appetite or a wherewithal to take sufficient nutrition through the mouth can usually benefit from this procedure.

How is the PEG performed?

A patient’s physician will use a lighted bendable tube called an endoscope to steer the creation of a small opening through the skin from the upper abdomen and straight into the stomach. This procedure allows the doctor to put and secure a feeding tube to the stomach. Patients generally get an intravenous sedative and local anesthesia, and an antibiotic is given by vein prior to the procedure. Patients can generally go home the day of the procedure or even the following day.

How are feedings given? Can a patient still eat and drink?

Specialized liquid nutrition, in addition to fluids, is given through the PEG tube. When the PEG tube is positioned due to swallowing difficulty, there'll be restrictions on oral intake. Although several PEG patients will continue to eat or drink following the procedure, this is an extremely important issue to go over with your physician.

How must a patient care for the PEG tube?

A dressing will be positioned on the PEG site following the procedure. This dressing is generally removed after a couple of days. Patient then should clean the site daily with diluted soap and water and keep the site dry between cleansings. No special dressing or covering is needed.

How long do these tubes last? How are they removed?

PEG tubes lasts for entire time. However, because they can break down or become clogged over extended amounts of time, they might have to be replaced. Patient’s doctor can easily remove or replace a tube without sedatives or anesthesia, although doctor might choose to make use of sedation and endoscopy in some instances. Patient’s physician will remove the tube using firm traction and will either insert a new tube or let the opening close if no replacement is required. PEG sites close quickly when the tube is removed, so unintentional dislodgement requires quick attention.

What are the probabilities of complications from PEG placement?

Difficulties may appear using the PEG placement. Possible difficulties include pain at the PEG site, leakage of stomach contents round the tube site, and dislodgement or malfunction from the tube. Possible complications include infection from the PEG site, aspiration, bleeding and perforation. Your doctor can explain for you signs and symptoms that may indicate a possible complication.