OVERVIEW P.E.G. (Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy)

Tube Placement is the placement of a feeding tube into the stomach under endoscopic guidance/control. It is performed in patients who are unable to swallow due to neurological disorders such as stroke or mental retardation, or patients who are unwilling or unable to maintain nutritional intake due to sever debilitation.

The patient undergoes an endoscopy/EGD to evaluate the upper GI tract and to select an appropriate site for tube placement. Once “the spot” has been decided the patients abdomen is prepped with betadine and anesthetized with local anesthesia.

A scalpel is used to cut a small opening through which a trocar is inserted into the abdominal wall. The trocar is advanced until it can be seen coming into the gastric mucosa.

An insertion wire is then threaded through the trocar and snared. Once snared the wire is brought out through the patients mouth, the feeding tube is tied to the wire and pulled into place through the abdominal wall. The tube is then secured in place by a small plastic disc.

This procedure takes about 10 – 15 minutes for completion. Feeding can be started 24 hours later.