title: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomies: a prospective evaluation and review of the literature.
abstract: The results of the first 55 consecutive percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomies (PEGs) that were performed over an 18-month period in a tertiary care center are presented. We followed these cases prospectively to assess the morbidity, mortality, staff acceptance, short-and long-term complications, and cost effectiveness of the technique. Fifty-one (93%) were successful with no mortality. Long-term morbidity included 6/55 (11%) tube extrusions; 5/55 (9%) cellulitis around the catheter site; 5/55 (9%) aspiration pneumonias; and 2/55 (3.6%) clogged tubes requiring replacement. Morbidity was considered minor and easily dealt with in all but five instances (9%) where more prolonged treatment was required. A review of the literature including other techniques used for percutaneous gastrostomy is also presented. It is concluded that percutaneous gastrostomies are relatively safe, cost-effective, and should be given first consideration for long-term enteral therapy in appropriate patients.
authors.forename: D F
authors.initials: DF
authors.lastname: Kirby
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Craig
authors.forename: T K
authors.initials: TK
authors.lastname: Tsang
authors.forename: B H
authors.initials: BH
authors.lastname: Plotnick
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002481:Cellulitis / Q000209:etiology; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D005774:Gastrostomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011015:Pneumonia, Aspiration / Q000209:etiology