A percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a procedure to place a feeding tube. These feeding tubes are often called PEG tubes or G tubes. The tube allows you to receive nutrition directly through your stomach. This type of feeding is also known as enteral feeding or enteral nutrition.
If you have difficulty swallowing (dysphagia). Causes of dysphagia may include:
Feeding tubes may also be useful if you have a condition that interferes with how your body processes nutrition. For example, you may benefit from a PEG tube if you have cystic fibrosis or receive dialysis for kidney failure. Someone in a coma may receive a PEG tube to help keep them alive.
Before surgery, You need to tell if you have any heart conditions, bleeding risks or medication allergies.
Don't eat or drink at least eight hours before the surgery. Most healthcare providers place PEG tubes with endoscopic surgery. Endoscopic procedures use small incisions and a long, flexible instrument called an endoscope. On the day of surgery, you receive intravenous (IV) anesthesia and antibiotics. The anesthesia ensures that you remain calm and numb during the procedure. The antibiotic prevents infection.You may also receive a local anesthetic. A local anesthetic is an injection of numbing medicine. You receive this injection near where your surgeon makes the incision.
During percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, your surgeon:
The entire procedure only takes around 20 to 30 minutes. Usually, you can return home the same day or the next morning.
You’ll have a bandage over the incision site. You may see some drainage around the incision for up to 48 hours.
Yes. PEG tubes are about the size of a pen or pencil. You’ll see 6 to 12 inches of the tube coming out of the incision area. Around the tube is a disc called an external bumper. This bumper prevents the tube from going further into your stomach.
At the end of the feeding tube is a small cap or plug. This plug prevents stomach acid or contents from leaking onto your skin or clothes. You can open this plug to receive food, water or medications.
PEG tubes are an important treatment if you have difficulty swallowing or are unable to get adequate nutrition. After G tube placement, you receive specialized nutrition and hydration.
Possible risks of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy include:
You’ll need to clean your PEG tube daily to decrease your risk of complications.
After tube placement, most people receive fluids and liquid nutrition through the tube. People who need PEG tubes because of swallowing problems have restrictions on eating and drinking by mouth. Some people may still eat and drink small amounts through the mouth.
PEG tubes can last for months or years. They may clog or wear down over time. If your G tube is wearing out, you may notice:
If you need a new PEG tube, your provider can easily replace the tube without invasive surgery or anesthesia. If you don’t need the tube anymore, your provider may remove the tube. The opening in your stomach closes on its own.