PERCUTANEOUS ENDOSCOPIC GASTROSTOMY - STU DY OF 35 PATIENTS

BACKGROUND: A review of the technique, indications, complications and follow up of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) was performed. METHODS: Thirty-five patients in whom a PEG had been placed according to the Ponsky technique from 1991 to 1993 were analyzed 27 of whom had neurologic disease, 6 tumoral diseases and 2 other causes. RESULTS: P EG was carried out in 33 patients with no incidences while the techniq ue could not be performed in 2 since the point could not be identified by transillumination in the gastric wall. No immediate complications were observed. Seven minor early complications were presented as wound infection with the cannula being withdrawn in only one case due to pe rsistence of the infection. Five late complications were reported: 1 s evere (gastrocholic fistula) and 4 minor (2 cannula obstructions, 1 di splacement and 1 infection). Evolution was followed in 31 patients wit h the cannula being withdrawn in 4 (2 because of complications and in the other 2 on initiation of oral diet). The cannula was substituted a t 120 and 360 days in 2 patients. Sixteen patients died, 5 during the first 30 days due to the primary disease, with only one case (aspirati ve pneumonia) being related to the PEG. The PEG continues functioning in 11 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy for f eeding is a simple technique which may be carried out in most patients with scarce severe complications, allowing a good nutritional state a nd improving the quality of life of patients requiring prolonged enter al feeding.