Background Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) provides the most common method to ensure enteral nutrition for various indications. However, PEG placement may be associated with relevant procedure‐related morbidity and mortality. We aimed to identify clinical parameters predicting an increased risk of PEG‐related adverse events. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed for all patients who had undergone PEG placement in our center between August 2010 and January 2014. PEG‐related adverse events and risk factors were evaluated through review of endoscopic reports and medical charts. All patients were followed until death or study closure (median follow‐up 30 months, range 12–48). Results A total of 576 patients (417 male, mean age 56) were included. Indication for PEG insertion was preemptive or therapeutic in underlying oncological disease (n = 410), neurological diseases (n = 114), or others (n = 151). The pull method was used in 501 patients (87%). Overall, 56 (59%) and 39 (41%) patients had early (< 30 days) and late (> 30 days) adverse events of which 11.8% and 4.7% were classified as minor and major, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that a high number of comorbidities, an oncological indication, and, as a statistical trend, high body mass index were associated with early adverse events. The use of the push method for insertion of PEG was associated with increased late adverse events, which mainly consisted of tube dislocations. Conclusions Clinical parameters that may easily be accessed correlate to an unfavorable outcome of a PEG procedure. This should raise the endoscopist's awareness for patients at high risk for adverse events.

Background and objective: Lower limb deep venous thrombosis is a common condition with a recognized morbidity and mortality. Hitherto known as a complication in hospitalized patients, anecdotal media reports and scientific trials have raised the profile of the same condition in association with air travel. Although probably multifactorial in aetiology, venous stasis is considered an important and correctable risk factor in the pathogenesis of deep venous thrombosis. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of exercising the calf muscle blood pump in increasing venous blood flow using a new dynamic alternating inflatable biped device (Lymgym ™ , Lymgym Ltd, UK) which has been designed to be used by air passengers. Methods: Doppler ultrasound was used to assess peak flow velocity in the superficial femoral vein in 30 lower limbs of 15 healthy volunteers with no history of venous disease. Measurements of peak flow velocity were taken at rest in the seated 'coach position' and during calf muscle pump exercises with the device. Results: Peak blood flow velocity was eight-fold higher (P<0.0001, Wilcoxon signed rank test) during exercise with the device than at rest. Conclusions: These results show that use of the dynamic alternating biped device (Lymgymä) effectively reduces venous stasis when used in the seated position as defined by measurements of peak venous blood flow. These results provide the scientific justification for further studies assessing the value of this device in reducing the risk of travel-related thrombosis.