Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy ( PEG )

Who does PEG?

PEG is done by a doctor. The doctor may be a general surgeon, an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist), a gastroenterologist (GI specialist), etc.

Where is PEG done?

PEP is performed in a hospital or outpatient surgical facility.

How is PEG done?

Local anesthesia (usually lidocaine or another spray) is used to anesthetize the throat. An endoscope (a flexible, lighted instrument) is passed through the mouth, throat and esophagus to the stomach. The doctor then makes a small incision (cut) in the skin of the abdomen and pushes an intravenous cannula (an IV tube) through the skin into the stomach and sutures (ties) it in place.

When can the PEG patient go home?

The patient can usually go home the same day or the next morning.

What are the possible complications with PEG?

Possible complications include wound infection (as in any kind of surgery) and dislodging or malfunction of the tube.

What are the advantages of PEG?

PEG takes less time, carries less risk and costs less than a classic surgical gastrostomy which requires opening the abdomen. Therefore, when feasible, PEG is preferable to a classic gastrostomy.

Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy At A Glance

• PEG is a surgical procedure.
• PEG is a method of providing fluids and nutrition.
• PEG is typically performed using local anesthesia