Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy: indications, complications and outcomes

Abstract

Introduction Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is formed for feeding and nutritional support in patients with a functional gastrointestinal system who require long-term enteral nutrition. Besides its well-known advantages over parenteral nutrition, PEG offers superior access to the gastrointestinal ystem over surgical methods. The main indications of PEG-tube placement are enteral feeding and stomach decompression. It is considered to be a safe procedure, however, there is also a risk for minor or major complications. Aim The main objective of this study was to evaluate indications and complications of PEGtube placements at the Hospital of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences. Methods A retrospective study at the Hospital of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences in 2021 in which 150 cases with described PEG-tube placements were analysed. Permission for the research was granted by the Bioethics center (No. BEC-MF-254). Results 150 cases with performed PEG-tub placement were analysed. Among those 60 were female patients and 90 – male. The average age of the patients was 65 years. The main indications of PEG-tube placement for patients were oncology (cancers of hypopharynx, oropharynx, tongue, larynx and esophageal cancer) in 44 (29,33%) cases, traumatic brain injuries – 35 (23,33%), ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke – 29 (19,33%), neurological degenerative diseases – 16 (10,67%), other disorders of consciousness – 15 (10%), other causes of dysphagia – 5 (3,33%) and in 6 (4%) cases were other disorders.. […].