Comparison of clinical outcomes associated with pull-type and introducer-type percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomies

Abstract

Background/Aims: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a method of providing enteral nutrition using endoscopy. Te PEG techniques difer according to the insertion method, and include the pull type, push type, and introducer type. Te aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes associated with the pull-type and introducer-type PEG insertion techniques, which included the adverse events, at our tertiary care center in Korea. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 141 cases that had undergone PEG insertion at our center from January 2009 to June 2012. Te indications for PEG insertion and the acute and chronic complications caused by each type of PEG insertion were analyzed. Results: Te indications for PEG insertion in our cohort included neurologic disease (58.7%), malignancy (21.7%), and other indications (19.6%). Successful PEG insertions were performed on 136 cases (96.5%), and there were no PEG-associated deaths. Bleeding was the most frequent acute complication (12.8%), and wound problems were the most frequent chronic complications (8.8%). Tere were no statistically signifcant diferences between the pull-type and introducer-type PEG insertion techniques in relation to complication rates in our study population. Conclusions: PEG insertion is considered a safe procedure. Te pull-type and introducer-type PEG insertion techniques produce comparable outcomes, and physicians may choose either of these approaches according to the circumstances.