A Study of Indications and Complications of Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy in 100 Patients

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a new feeding technique when oral intake is not adequate. The aim of the present study was to determine the indications and complications of PEG insertion and to study post-procedural nutritional status. In a cross-sectional study، 100 adults admitted to Imam Reza Hospital during 2006-2009 for PEG were evaluated. Patients’ nutritional status and complications were assessed for 6 months after PEG insertion. PEG insertion was successful in all 100 patients (64 males and 36 females). The indications for PEG were neurological causes (in particular stroke) in 66 patients، recurrent aspirations in 14 patients، trauma in 9 patients، Guillain-Barre syndrome in 6 patients، esophageal tumor in 3 patients and hypoxic encephalopathy in 2 patients. Ninety nine patients were followed up for at least one time after the tube insertion. Major complication was peritonitis (1 patient). Minor complications were PEG site infection (8 patients)، tube blockage (5 patients)، aspiration pneumonia (4 patients)، and leakage (2 patients). During 6 months of follow-up، oral feeding was resumed in 27% of the patients and the tube was removed subsequently. PEG is a minimally invasive gastrostomy method with low morbidity and mortality rates، and it can be easily followed up and replaced when clogged