Evaluation of indications complications and results in patients with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the indications, complications and results of patients undergoing percutaneus endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG).Material and Method: In our study, we evaluated the outpatients or hospitalized patients applying to Turgut Özal Medical Center between April 2008-November 2010. 247 patients who would be unable to perform oral feeding for at least 4 weeks for PEG procedure were evaluated retrospectively.Results: PEG procedure was performed 296 times in total 247 cases. The most common indication for PEG has been neurological diseases with 110 cases, other indications follow up in order with 25 cases of respiratory failure, 24 cases with multiple trauma, 20 cases with hypoxic encephalopahty and the other diseases. Complications associated with PEG were a total of 42 cases. Wound infection in 10 cases, tube blockage in 5 cases, tube fracture in 5 cases, the edge of tube leakage in 2 cases, removal of tube by patient in 1 case, and buried bumper syndrome in 8 cases were seen as complications of PEG. Overall minor complication rate was %13.7, and overall major complication rate (buried bumper syndrome) was 3.2%. The most common complication was wound infection. During follow-up, 102 patients died of primary disease. 30 days (early) and 1 year mortality rates were 14.3% and 39.5%. Overall mortality rate was 41,3% and mean survival was 17.34 ± 0.7 months. PEG tube was removed in 10 cases because of an adequate oral intake. The mean duration of a PEG tube stay was 16 ± 1.2 months.Conclusion: PEG is a procedure requiring no general anesthesia with low morbidity and mortality rates. It is also an effective, safe method which can be performed at the bedside. It should be one of methods preferred for patients who need long-term enteral nutrition.