The full form of PEG is Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy. This medical procedure involves the insertion of a tube, known as a PEG tube, into the patient’s stomach through the abdominal wall. The purpose of this procedure is primarily to provide a means of feeding when oral intake is not adequate or possible.
The process of PEG involves the use of an endoscope, a flexible tube with a light and camera attached to it. The endoscope is inserted through the patient’s mouth, down the esophagus, and into the stomach. Once the endoscope reaches the stomach, a small incision is made in the abdominal wall, usually on the left side. The PEG tube is then passed through this incision and into the stomach. The tube is secured in place with a balloon or a bumper on the inside and a disk or dome on the outside of the abdominal wall.
PEG is commonly performed when a patient is unable to eat or swallow properly due to various reasons such as dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing), sedation, or other medical conditions that affect the ability to take in nutrition orally. It is also used for long-term nutritional support in patients who are unable to maintain adequate nutrition through normal eating or drinking.
One personal experience I had with PEG was when my grandmother underwent the procedure. She had been suffering from dysphagia due to a stroke, and her oral intake was not sufficient to meet her nutritional needs. The PEG tube allowed us to provide her with the necessary nutrients and medications directly into her stomach. It significantly improved her quality of life and ensured she received the essential nourishment she needed.
Some common indications for PEG include patients with neurological disorders, head and neck cancers, esophageal strictures, and those who require prolonged mechanical ventilation. The PEG tube can be used for both short-term and long-term nutritional support, depending on the patient’s condition.
Benefits of PEG include improved nutrition and hydration, prevention of malnutrition, and reduced risk of aspiration pneumonia. It also provides a more comfortable and convenient method of feeding compared to traditional methods such as nasogastric tubes.
However, like any medical procedure, PEG does carry some risks and potential complications. These can include infection at the insertion site, leakage around the tube, dislodgement or blockage of the tube, and irritation or ulceration of the stomach lining. It is essential for healthcare professionals to carefully monitor and care for the PEG tube to minimize these risks.
Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) is a medical procedure that involves the insertion of a tube into the stomach through the abdominal wall. It is primarily used to provide nutrition and medication when oral intake is not adequate or possible. PEG offers numerous benefits for patients who require long-term nutritional support, but it is important to be aware of the potential risks and complications associated with the procedure.