The use of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) in 161 consecutive elderly patients.
Over the period 1 April 1990 to 31 December 1992, a total of 179 PEG procedures were performed on 161 elderly patients, mean age 79 years (range 53-99). In most (141) patients, the indication was neurological dysphagia (usually stroke), but in 20 the tube was inserted to attain adequate nutritional support. Thirty-day fatality was 20% overall, but in those who underwent PEG only for nutritional support, survival was poor--only 20% at 30 days. Almost all deaths were a result of progression of the original illness. Only one procedure-related death occurred. Fifty-six complicating episodes occurred in 20 (12%) patients, the majority being minor. The commonest adverse event was PEG site infection. PEG is a useful and in general well tolerated procedure in geriatric practice, but careful patient selection is essential; in particular its use as a nutritional adjunct in frail patients needs careful evaluation.
Raha
S K
SK
University Department of Geriatric Medicine, Cardiff Royal Infirmary West Wing.
Woodhouse
K
K
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000209:etiology; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D016099:Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal / Q000379:methods*; D004750:Enteral Nutrition / Q000379:methods*; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005774:Gastrostomy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014852:Wales