Safety and complication of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy by age groups: A retrospective clinical trial

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed at conducting comparisons across age groups on the safety of Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) procedure and the rates of complications when used to resolve dysphagia and other oral intake problems which are increasing in prevalence in line with population ageing. Materials and Method: Data from patients aged 65 years and over, who underwent a PEG procedure in our clinic between 2012-2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Age and sex of study subjects and the reason for performing PEG procedure and complications were assessed. Patients were assigned into two age groups: Group1 included patients aged from 65 to 85 years and Group2 aged 85 years and over. Results: 76 out of 182 patients were in group1and 106 were in group 2. There were 139 female, 43 male patients. 21(11.2%) patients developed PEG related-complications and there was PEG revision in seven (3.8%) patients. The most common complications were peristomal infections in the Group 1 and peristomal infections and formulation leakage around the PEG tube site, in the Group 2. No statistically significant intergroup differences were found in complication rates and PEG revision rates (p=0.349 and p=0.701, respectively). Mortality occurred in none of the groups 2 at the end 30-day follow up during the study. Conclusion: In patients who underwent a PEG procedure, no differences were found between patients aged 65 to 85 years and patients aged 86 years and over in terms of complication rates and PEG revision rates. We believe that PEG is a safe procedure with low complication rates, when performed following a detailed assessment and thorough preparations.