How is a PEG placed?

Through an endoscope, the gastroenterologist visualizes the inner wall of the stomach, thus determining the site where the PEG tube will be placed. Under the endoscopic vision, a small puncture is made in the patient’s abdominal wall and the feeding tube is inserted. It is an outpatient procedure, the patient receives light sedation during it and prior to the procedure a dose of antibiotic is applied preventively.

The usual thing is that the patient who requires this procedure is an elderly person with multiple associated pathologies, so it is normal for us to deal with this type of patient.

It is used in patients who may have trouble swallowing for various reasons. They could be people with degenerative diseases like senile dementia or patients with esophageal cancer or throat cancer. Sometimes the placement of a probe of this type can be temporary, for example in a patient with a cerebrovascular accident, who initially presents swallowing problems but who, after rehabilitation, regains this ability.

Patients who require one of these tubes would have to resort to a nasogastric tube if the PEG is not placed. Since long-term use of nasogastric tubes is contraindicated, PEG is the option of choice for these patients.

Complications are rare, there may be an infection in the tube placement area. Since the probe can be pulled by the patient or their caregiver by accident, it is necessary to take appropriate precautions so that the patient does not pull off the probe. If the tube pulls out (which is not an uncommon complication), you must go to a medical center to have another tube inserted through the existing fistula in the patient, you can also contact us so that a new tube can be placed as soon as possible. Finally, it should be mentioned that, if the patient has content in his stomach, it is possible that during the placement of the tube there is an episode of bronchoaspiration.

with it. Since it is made of plastic, you should avoid passing hot liquids through the probe. As for cleaning the area, simply wash daily with antibacterial soap. The area should not be covered with gauze, as this increases humidity and thus the risk of infection. In general, the tubes are replaced every year. The replacement process is considerably simpler than the initial placement.

The patient must have eight hours of fasting. Transportation must have been arranged before and after the procedure. As a consequence of the sedation used, the patient may end up with a certain degree of drowsiness.

It is recommended to make the appointment at least one week in advance. Appointments at our clinic are given at 2441 8885. We are here to serve you.