PEG Feeding
This page will give you information about a PEG. If you
have any questions, you should ask your GP or other relevant health
professional.
What is a PEG?
A percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a procedure to
place a feeding tube through your skin and into your stomach to
give you the nutrients and fluids you need (see figure 1).
Figuer 1 - A feeding tube placed in the stomach
Are there any alternatives to a PEG?
It is possible to be given nutrients and fluids through a
naso-gastric tube.
The feeding tube can be placed directly into your stomach by an
operation.
It is also possible to be given nutrients and fluids directly
into your bloodstream (total parenteral nutrition).
What does the procedure involve?
If appropriate, the endoscopist may offer you a sedative to help
you relax.
A PEG usually takes between fifteen and twenty minutes. It
involves placing a flexible telescope (endoscope) into the back of
your throat and down into your stomach. The endoscopist will use
the endoscope to guide them while they insert the feeding tube.
The endoscopist will make a small cut in your abdominal wall.
They will pull the tube down into your stomach and then bring it
out of your stomach and through the hole in your abdominal wall.
The tube has a bolster that sits inside your stomach and helps to
prevent it from coming out.
What complications can happen?
- Infection
- Chest infection
- Bleeding
- Blocked tube
- Peritonitis
- Damage to the liver or intestine
- Buried internal bolster
- Leaking
- Allergic reaction
- Breathing difficulties or heart irregularities
- Making a hole in the oesophagus or stomach
- Damage to teeth or bridgework
- Death
How soon will I recover?
If you were given sedation, you will normally recover in about
an hour. You may feel a bit bloated for a few hours but this will
pass.
You should be able to return to your normal activities after one
to two weeks.
Summary
A PEG is usually a safe and effective way of allowing you to get
the nutrients and fluids you need.
Acknowledgements
Author: Dr Kathy Teahon MD FRCP
Illustrations: LifeART image copyright 2007 Lippincott Williams
& Wilkins. All rights reserved.
This document is intended for information purposes only and
should not replace advice that your relevant health professional
would give you.
Copyright © 2008 EIDO Healthcare Limited
The operation and treatment information on this website is
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