Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy: Strategies for prevention and management of complications

Objective. The placement of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tubes is within the realm of the head and neck surgeon because most are proficie nt in the use of rigid and flexible esophagoscopes. The ability to provide comprehensive care for the patient with head and neck cancer provides furth er incentive for the head and neck surgeon to adopt this technique. Althoug h it is a technically simple procedure, the surgeon must be aware of the ra nge of complications that can occur with PEG. We review our experience with PEG focusing on the complications as well as strategies for the prevention and management of these complications. Methods: A retrospective review of the records of patients who underwent PEG at Stanford University by the Hea d and Neck Surgery Service between July 1992 and December 1998 was conducte d. A total of 103 patients were identified, of which 84 (82%) were patients with head and neck cancers. Complications associated with PEG were identif ied. All PEGs were performed using the pull technique. Results: There was n o mortality associated with the procedure. Minor complications occurred in 11 cases (10.7%). These included cellulitis (4), ileus (3), tube extrusion (1), clogged lumen (1), and peristomal. leakage (2). The only major complic ation was a single case of PEG site metastasis. Conclusion: The review of o ur experience with PEG tube placement revealed a low complication rate. Saf e PEG placement was achieved by transillumination of the abdominal wall and confirmation by ballottement. In addition, appropriate patient selection, use of perioperative antibiotics, as well as meticulous post-procedure care contributed to the low rate of complications. For the patients with head a nd neck cancer, a barrier should be placed between the tumor and the instru mentation at the time of tube placement.