Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG). 8 years of clinical experience in 232 patients

Surg Endosc. 1997 Jul;11(7):741-4. doi: 10.1007/s004649900440.

Abstract

Background: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is now a standard method for providing long-term enteral nutrition in patients who are unable to swallow. The aim of our study was to document clinical data that would allow prediction of a possible complicated clinical course.

Methods: The study was carried out retrospectively. Clinical data of patients having received a PEG tube by a single endoscopic technique were analyzed.

Results: Some 5. 17% of 232 patients showed complications requiring surgery including a mortality rate of 0.43%. Patients with complications had a significantly lower body mass index and there was a significantly higher complication rate in patients having obstructive malignancies compared with benign diseases.

Conclusions: Low body mass index and advanced malignancies are predictors for complications after PEG application. Early installation should help prevent further nutritional deterioration and the related risk of complications.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Body Mass Index
  • Central Nervous System Diseases / complications
  • Deglutition Disorders / etiology
  • Deglutition Disorders / surgery*
  • Endoscopy*
  • Enteral Nutrition
  • Female
  • Gastrostomy / methods*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nutritional Status
  • Postoperative Complications
  • Risk Factors