What is a PEG?
A percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a procedure in which a feeding tube is placed through the abdomen and into the stomach. This tube allows the passage of nutritional liquids.
Conditions
A PEG is designed for adult and pediatric patients who are unable to inject food and nutrition orally. Conditions that may require a feeding tube include neurological and associated with poor swallowing such as stroke, cancers of the oral cavity and esophagus as well as other assorted conditions of the esophagus.
What to expect during the PEG
During the procedure, an endoscope (a long, thin tube with a camera at its tip) (link to upper endoscopy page) is inserted down the throat and into the stomach so that the physician may see where the tube should be placed. A small incision is then made in the abdominal wall and a needle is inserted. The PEG feeding tube is fed through the needle and then sutured in. The procedure takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes and may be done in a hospital or outpatient facility.
After the PEG
Following the PEG, your physician will provide a list of instructions for using and maintaining your feeding tube as well as the length of time you will have it.
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