Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Tube Placement

Abstract

The percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube is a feeding access placed surgically to allow delivery of medications and nutrition for a patient with significant dysphagia. This feeding tube can be performed in several locations including the operating room, endoscopy suite, and bedside in the ICU. Knowledge of the patient’s pertinent medical and surgical history, a thorough physical exam, and preoperative planning optimize successful placement of the PEG tube. Complications can arise from both the placement and maintenance of the feeding tube and thus caution must be used with its placement.