A PEG (Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy) is a safe and effective way to provide food, liquids and medications when appropriate directly into the stomach for terminally ill patient. The procedure is done for patients who are having difficulty . During the procedure, a physician places an endoscope (a long, thin, flexible instrument about 1/2 inch in diameter) into your mouth. The endoscope is then advanced through your esophagus (the "food pipe" leading from your mouth into your stomach) and into your stomach. The endoscope is used to ensure correct positioning of the PEG tube, also called a feeding tube in the stomach of patient. The PEG tube rests in the stomach and exits through the skin of the abdomen.
What's percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG)?
Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is really a surgical treatment for putting a tube for feeding without needing to perform a wide open operation around the abdomen (laparotomy). It's utilized in patients who will be unable to consume food orally for any prolonged time period. A gastrostomy, or surgical opening in to the stomach, is made through the skin utilizing an an adaptable, lighted instrument (endoscope) passed orally into the stomach to help with the placement of the tube and secure it in position.
What is the purpose of percutaneous endoscopic gastronomy?
The objective of a percutaneous endoscopic gastronomy is to feed those patients who cannot swallow food. Irrespective of the age of the patient or their medical condition, the objective of percutaneous endoscopic gastronomy is to provide fluids and nutrition into the stomach.
Who does percutaneous endoscopic gastronomy?
Percutaneous endoscopic gastronomy is performed by a physician. The physician can be a general surgeon, an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist), radiologist, or perhaps a gastroenterologist (gastrointestinal specialist).
Where is percutaneous endoscopic gastronomy done?
PEG is conducted in a hospital or outpatient surgical facility. There is no need to perform a percutaneous endoscopic gastronomy in an operating room.
How's percutaneous endoscopic gastronomy done?
Local anesthesia can be used to anesthetize the throat. An endoscope is passed with the mouth, throat and esophagus in to the stomach. The doctor then makes a small incision in the skin from the abdomen within the stomach and pushes a needle with the skin and in to the stomach. The tube for feeding then is pushed through the needle and in to the stomach. The tube then is sutured in place to the skin.
When can the percutaneous endoscopic gastronomy patient go home?
The individual typically go back home the same day or even the next morning.
What are the possible complications with percutaneous endoscopic gastronomy?
Possible complications include infection from the puncture site dislodgement from the tube with leakage of the liquid diet that is fed through the tube in to the abdomen, and clogging of the tube.
What are the advantages of percutaneous endoscopic gastronomy?
Percutaneous endoscopic gastronomy takes a shorter period, carries less risk and charges just one surgical gastrostomy which requires opening the abdomen. Percutaneous endoscopic gastronomy is a commonly-performed so there are many physicians with experience of performing the procedure. When feasible, percutaneous endoscopic gastronomy is preferable to a surgical gastrostomy.
