Overview
Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) is a procedure that places a feeding tube directly into the stomach through the abdominal wall. It is done on people whose digestive systems are working but who can't safely eat or swallow. The procedure uses endoscopy and a small skin incision to place the tube in the right place. A flexible endoscope is passed through the mouth and into the stomach to aid placement. The PEG tube lets food, fluids, and medicines go straight into the stomach. People with neurological disorders, stroke, cancer, or trouble swallowing for a long time are often told to do this.
Why It's Done
When patients can't get the nutrients they need by mouth because they have trouble swallowing, are unconscious for a long time, have head and neck cancers, or have very bad neurological conditions, PEG placement is done. It ensures you get enough food and water while reducing the risk of aspiration (food entering the lungs). The goal is to stay strong, support the body's healing, and improve overall quality of life.
What to Expect?
Patients are told not to eat or drink anything for a few hours before the procedure. During PEG placement, sedation and local anaesthesia are given to make sure the person is comfortable. The endoscope is passed through the mouth and into the stomach to find a suitable site for insertion. A small cut is made in the abdominal wall, and the feeding tube is guided into the stomach and held in place. It usually takes 20 to 30 minutes to do the procedure. The site where the tube is inserted is cleaned and dressed afterward. For a few hours, doctors monitor patients for potential problems such as bleeding or infection. Feeding through the tube usually starts 12 to 24 hours after surgery.
Recovery & Outlook
Most of the time, recovery is quick, and there is only mild pain at the insertion site. To avoid getting sick, you need to take good care of your tubes and keep them clean. When someone can't eat by mouth, PEG feeding can greatly improve their nutrition and long-term health.