Background: By using a small-diameter endoscope, EGD can be performed transnasally in adults. A prospective study was conducted to evaluate the feasibility of transnasal PEG placement without conscious sedation.
Methods: Unsedated transnasal PEG was attempted in 23 patients by using a 5.9-mm-diameter videoendoscope. The indication for PEG insertion, success or failure, reason(s) for failure, and adverse effects of the procedure were recorded. During the first month, all patients were monitored by telephone contact for complications and to verify functionality of the PEG.
Results: Transnasal PEG insertion was successful in 21 (91%) patients. The cause for failure was the inability to transilluminate the abdominal wall. Complications included epistaxis (n=1), minor wound infection (n=1), and soiling around the stoma (n=1). Of the 21 patients in whom transnasal PEG placement was successful, all were alive, with a functional gastrostomy at the 1-month follow-up.
Conclusions: Unsedated transnasal PEG tube insertion is minimally invasive, is feasible in daily practice in selected patients, and rarely is associated with complications.