Acceptability and outcomes of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement and patient quality of life.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Since its description in 1980, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy has been a widely used method for insertion of a gastrostomy tube in patients who are unable to swallow or maintain adequate nutrition. This study aimed to assess the perspectives of patients/caregivers in our society regarding the acceptability of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube placement and to evaluate the outcomes.

METHODS: One hundred consecutive adults referred to our unit to be considered for primary percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy feeding at Imam Reza Hospital of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences were evaluated prospectively from October 2007 to June 2009. The nutritional status of patients, complications and quality of life were assessed after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy insertion for six months. The data were analyzed using SPSS software.

RESULTS: Indications for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy were neurologic in 66 patients and recurrent pulmonary aspiration in 14 intensive care unit adult patients. Minor complications included percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy site infection in 8 patients and tube blockage in 5 patients. Oral feeding was resumed in 27% of the patients and the tube was removed subsequently after 3-6 months; 42 patients died due to primary diseases (in 1-6 months). The Quality of Life Index scores pre-percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy placement and 6 months after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy averaged 19.25±11.85 and 30.08±27.74, respectively. A similarly significant difference was also found between mean Quality of Life Index scores pre- and post-percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy placement (p<0.005).

CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is a minimally invasive gastrostomy method with low morbidity and mortality rates, and is easy to follow-up and to replace when blockage occurs.