Study of Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Outcomes

Background and Objective: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is the technique of choice for providing enteral access to patients who require long-term enteral nutrition. This study was performed to evaluate the outcomes and complications of PEG. Materials and Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 77 patients (45 men, 32 women; age mean: 58.9±19.7 years, Min: 14 years, Max: 89 Years) who underwent initial PEG placement in Vali-e-asr hospital, Zanjan-Iran, from 2014 to 2015 were included. The complications were assessed three weeks and three months after PEG insertion. The quality of life (QoL) was evaluated with Karnofsky questionnaire before PEG placement and three months after that. Results: The most common indications of PEG placement were cerebrovascular accidents (26.5%), cardio-pulmonary disease (20.6%), and drug and substance abuse toxicities (16.2%). Complications occurred in 26.5% (18 cases) of the patients. The frequencies of the complications at end of the third week and third month were 17.6% and 11.8%, respectively. The most common complication was tube leakage. Also, no significant difference was found between mean of QoL scores pre- and post- PEG placements (p> 0.05). Conclusion: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is a safe and minimally invasive endoscopic procedure associated with a low morbidity rate.