What is a PEG?
Gastroenterologists use percutaneous
endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) to
surgically insert a feeding tube
(often called a PEG tube) into a patient’s
stomach — bypassing the mouth and
esophagus — so the patient can get
the needed nutrients and fluids.
The amount of time a patient needs
to use a feeding tube is based on
their individual medical conditions.
Who needs a feeding tube?
Gastroenterologists generally use a feeding tube to care for patients who have difficulty swallowing for neurological and/or anatomical reasons. While less common, physicians also sometimes use a feeding tube to address a patient’s persistent unintentional weight loss and/or malnutrition
How do gastroenterologists perform a PEG?
Gastroenterologists perform a PEG by passing an
illuminated and flexible tube or endoscope through
the patient’s mouth and into the stomach. The doctor
then makes small incisions in the patient’s abdomen
and stomach wall. Finally, the feeding tube is inserted
through the opening in the patient’s abdomen and into
the stomach. Most patients receive an intravenous
antibiotic, sedative and local anesthesia before a PEG.
Patients are normally free to go home the day of the
procedure or the next day.
What happens after a PEG?
Once a patient has a PEG, the gastroenterologist
will provide post-procedure instructions and the
accessories needed to receive specialized liquid
nutrition, fluids and medication. This ensures that
the patient knows how to use the feeding tube and
receives its optimum benefits. Some of the patients who receive a feeding tube may also be able to
eat or drink following a PEG, but those who have
difficulty swallowing (e.g., following a stroke) are
limited to using the feeding tube as their main
source of nutrition — an important consideration for
patients to discuss with their gastroenterologist.
How complicated is post-PEG care?
Every patient receives instructions on how to care
for the feeding tube insertion site following a PEG.
The dressing is usually removed by the patient or
a member of the medical team one to two days
after the procedure. And while no special dressing
or covering is required, the patient should clean
the feeding tube insertion site once a day with
diluted soap and water, while keeping the area dry
between cleanings.
How long do feeding tubes last?
Feeding tubes can last for years. But because some
break down or become clogged with time, they may
need to be replaced. It’s not unusual for gastroenterologists
to remove or replace a patient’s feeding tube in the
office without the use of sedatives or anesthesia,
although that’s not always possible.
How are feeding tubes removed?
Gastroenterologists can remove a patient’s feeding
tube in their office while the patient is awake using a
procedure that’s both quick and painless. The insertion
sites generally heal and close quickly once the tube is
removed. It is important to note that a feeding tube that
becomes dislodged will require the gastroenterologist’s
immediate attention.
What is a PEG’s most common complications?
A PEG’s most common complications include pain
at the feeding tube insertion site, the leakage of
stomach contents around the insertion site, and the
dislodgment or malfunction of the feeding tube.
Other potential complications include an infection
of the feeding tube insertion site, aspiration
(i.e., inhalation of the stomach’s contents into the
lungs), and bleeding or perforation (i.e., a hole in
the bowel wall) that occur during or after a PEG.
Gastroenterologists always discuss these potential
complications with their patients before they
perform a PEG.
Important Reminder: This information is intended only to provide general guidance. It does not provide definitive medical advice. It is very important that you consult your doctor about your specific condition.