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Background: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy feeding is accompanied by unique complications, which are not easily controlled. Objective: In an attempt to decrease complications, we used half-solid nutrients for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy feeding in an 85-year-old woman. The patient had been receiving enteral nutrients via percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, and we examined whether this approach can reduce complications. She presented with regurgitation of enteral nutrients and recurrent respiratory infections. Methods: Half-solid enteral nutrients, prepared by mixing liquid enteral nutrients with agar powder, were administered via percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy. Results: Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disappeared immediately after the start of half-solid enteral nutrient feeding. Conclusion: Gastroesophageal reflux and leakage, two intractable late complications of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube feeding, can be alleviated by the solidification of enteral nutrients. Since this method allows quick administration of nutrients, it is also expected to help prevent the occurrence of decubitus ulcers and reduce the burden to the caregiver.

The occurrence of gastric ulcer after PEG placement was attributable to the shape of the PEG tube within the intragastric space, and not to the use of H 2 -blockers, suggesting that appropriate placement of the PEG tube is an important factor in preventing gastric ulcer.

Usefulness and problems of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placement in a geriatric hospital where most patients were severely demented or bedridden were evaluated. The variables examined were acute complications, chronic complications, restraint of patients before and after PEG placement, change in physical activity, and ability of oral intake. Results showed that both acute and chronic complications were not rare, but these problems are not peculiar to geriatric hospitals. Quality of life (QOL) was clearly improved. Restraint could be reduced or stopped in 65.2% of restrained patients after PEG tube placement, activity was improved in 55.5% of patients, and oral intake became possible in 14.0% of patients. There were also some improvements in the management of PEG, as the incidence of self-extubation decreased, and tube exchange became easier. In conclusion, it is possible to insert and manage the PEG tubes even in geriatric hospitals, and PEG tubes are quite useful in managing patients with chronic disease and in improving QOL.

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