Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) tube

• Authorization will be arranged by the rooms or hospital staff.

• Fasting:

• No solid food for 6 hours before the procedure

• No clear liquids for 2 hours before the procedure

• Most chronic medications may be taken with a small sip of water unless advised otherwise.

• Inform your doctor if you are taking blood-thinning medication.

• Diabetic medication instructions will be discussed in advance.

PEG tube placement is usually performed under sedation. You will be monitored throughout the procedure and observed afterwards until the sedation has worn off. Feeding through the tube usually begins within 12–24 hours, depending on clinical assessment.

PEG tube insertion is usually performed using endoscopy.

• A gastroscope is passed through the mouth into the stomach.

• The stomach is inflated and brought close to the abdominal wall.

• A small incision is made in the skin.

• The PEG tube is guided into the stomach and secured internally and externally.

• Correct placement is confirmed endoscopically.

The procedure avoids open surgery and is generally well tolerated.

The procedure usually takes 20–40 minutes.

• Pain or discomfort at the insertion site

• Bleeding

• Infection around the tube site

• Leakage of stomach contents

• Tube blockage or dislodgement

• Aspiration (rare)

• Injury to internal organs

• Unintended damage to surrounding structures

• Rarely, peritonitis or serious infection

• Complications are uncommon. Contact the rooms or seek urgent medical attention if there is increasing pain, redness, swelling, discharge, fever, vomiting, or if the tube becomes dislodged.

• Many patients remain in hospital for 1–2 days

• Some patients may already be admitted and continue inpatient care