Who may be considered for a PEG?
PEG placement may be discussed when a person cannot safely swallow or cannot take enough nutrition and fluid by mouth. The decision should involve the patient, family and relevant medical, nutrition and swallowing teams because it is not appropriate for everyone.
Planning and preparation
The team will review medicines, bleeding risk, medical conditions and nutrition needs. Individual fasting and medicine instructions must be followed. Questions about expected benefits, alternatives, tube care and future feeding support should be discussed before consent.
Placement and early care
An endoscope helps identify a suitable position before the tube is placed through the skin into the stomach. The site and tube require careful cleaning, monitoring and feeding instructions from the clinical and dietetic teams.
When to seek help
Obtain prompt clinical advice for increasing pain, redness, swelling, discharge, leakage, bleeding, fever, breathing problems, vomiting, a blocked or displaced tube, or pain during feeding.
Questions patients often ask
What does PEG stand for?+
PEG means percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy: through the skin, using an endoscope, into the stomach.
Can medicines be given through a PEG?+
Some medicines can be given through a PEG, but formulation and flushing instructions must come from the treating team or pharmacist.
Is PEG placement suitable for everyone with swallowing difficulty?+
No. Suitability depends on the cause, expected duration, overall health, goals of care and available alternatives.