9. Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastronomy
INTRODUCTION
PATIENT PROFILE
PREOPERATIVE ASSESSMENT AND PREPARATION
OPERATIVE EVENTS
POSTOPERATIVE OUTCOME
RECOMMENDATIONS
CHAPTER REFERENCES
n = number of cases where information was provided

 

9. PERCUTANEOUS ENDOSCOPIC GASTROSTOMY

INTRODUCTION

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) for enteral feeding has been used since 19801 and it is indicated in those patients where enteral feeding is likely to be needed for more than four to six weeks2 ; the indications for its use are shown in Table 27. The procedure of inserting a PEG is straightforward for most patients and it has advantages
over nasogastric feeding in that it is more comfortable, less unsightly and less prone to becoming displaced. However, it is invasive and may result in complications, and therefore the appropriateness of its use needs careful consideration in every case.

Table 27. Indications for the use of PEG feeding2
Indication
Example
Neurological disorders of swallowing
Cerebrovascular accident (CVA), multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease, Parkinson's disease, cerebral palsy
Cognitive impairment and depressed consciousness
Head injury
Mechanical obstruction to swallowing
Oropharyngeal or oesophageal cancer, radiation enteropathy
Long term partial failure of intestinal function requiring supplemental intake
Short bowel, fistulae, cystic fibrosis

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