Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement

Abstract

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tubes are used frequently nowadays in hospital care as an alternative to nasogastric feeding or surgically placed gastrostomies. PEG tubes provide a safe and comfortable way to maintain adequate nutrition for patients unsafe or unable to take feed orally. Placement of the tubes requires an experienced endoscopist and an assistant to pass the tube through the abdominal wall. Described are in detail the several steps of insertion of the tube and associated risks and complications as well as how to remove and to replace the PEG tube.