What is Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy?

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a procedure that places a tube through the abdominal wall and into the stomach.

A gastrostomy tube provides an alternative feeding site. It may be needed to:

• Feed a person who has a hard time sucking or swallowing
• Drain the stomach of fluids that have built up

Possible Complications

If you are planning to have a PEG, your doctor will review a list of possible complications which may include:

• PEG tube malfunction
• Aspiration—accidental sucking into the airways of fluid, food, or any foreign material
• Damage to other organs
• Inflammation of the lining of the abdomen
• Infection
• Bloating
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Irritation of skin near the tube
• Death

Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:

• Obesity or diabetes
• Smoking, alcohol abuse , or drug use
• Use of certain prescription medicines
• Prior abdominal surgeries
• Advanced age

Call Your Doctor

After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:

• Pain that you cannot control...