Experiences with PEG practices in patients with early- and late-period complications

Abstract

Introduction: Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) is the preferred method of nutrition for patients that are in need of long term enteral feeding. In this study, we aim to convey a six-year experience of a surgical endoscopy unit in the light of the literature. Materials and Methods: Patients that underwent PEG in our clinic between the years 2015 and 2020 were included in this study. Demographic and clinical data, indications, early and late complications, and long term results of the patients were analyzed retrospectively. PEG was employed using the standard pull method. Results: One hundred six patients participated in our study. The age average was 61, and the male sex was predominant (71%). The findings obtained in this study showed that 81.2% of the patients had comorbidities. Eight patients had an abdominal operation history. The most frequent indications were chronic neurological disease (36.8%), prolonged coma after head trauma (11.3%), and head and neck cancers (10.4%). The incidence of catheter-related early complications was observed to be 17.9%, and the most frequent complication was the leakage in the catheter insertion site. The incidence of general complications was observed as early complications (<30 days) (4.7%) and late complications (>30 days) (0.9%), respectively. Catheter dysfunction developed in eight patients during their follow-up examinations. Recurrent medical interventions were performed on five patients. The incidence of catheter-related unplanned arrivals at the hospital was 8.5%. Conclusion: PEG is a safe, minimally invasive, effective, well-tolerated practice with a low incidence of complications and is used in the provision of nutritional support enterally. The most frequent complications are related to the care of the catheter insertion site. To reduce such complications, emphasis should be placed on training related to catheter care.