Outcomes of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy: One surgeon experience

Abstract

Aim: We aimed to present our experience and findings in patients which in we applied percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube insertion because of the oral nutritional deficiency. Material and Methods: The data of 41 patients who had PEG tube insertion between 2014 and 2018 years in the General Surgery Clinic of Medicine Faculty of Ordu University were evaluated retrospectively. The indications, complications, mortality and shortterm outcomes of the patients were analyzed. Results: 43 patients underwent gastroscopy due to insertion of PEG. In 41(95.3%) patients, PEG insertion was successful. In 2(4.7%) patients, PEG insertion failed due to obesity. 16(39%) of the PEG patients were males and 25 (61%) were females. The mean age was 77.68 ± 13.9 (20-94) years. PEG indications were chronic neurological disease in 22 (53.6%) patients, cerebrovascular disease in 15 (36.6%) patients and malignancy in 4 (9.8%) patients. Minor complications in 11(26.8%) patients and major complications in 2 (4.9%) patients were observed. 10 (24.4%) of the complications were in the early period and 3 (7.3%) were in the late period. During the follow up, the PEG tube in 3 (7.3%) patients was pull out. No mortality due to PEG insertion was observed. During the mean follow-up period of 9.37 ± 7.8 months, 14 (34.1%) of the PEG-treated patients died due to their primary disease. Conclusions: PEG tube insertion is an easy method with the low rates of the complication and mortality in the patients with poor oral intake who have a functional gastrointestinal system. PEG is the first choice for long-term enteral nutrition in appropriate patients.