title: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in head and neck cancer patients.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To present our experience with the indications and complications of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) in head and neck cancer patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a retrospective study of the patients treated, we reviewed the records of 43 patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer at the Otorhinolaryngology Department, in which a PEG was performed by the Unit of Digestive Endoscopy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All cases had squamous cell carcinoma. Larynx was the most frequent primary site, with 21 cases (49%), followed by hypopharynx, 12 patients (28%). Indications for PEG were: dysphagia (53.5%) and pharyngocutaneous fistula (43.5%). The most frequent complication was a local infection.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  PEG is a good choice for long-term enteral feeding in head and neck cancer patients due to its low complication rate and easy handling.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain. 311901rg@comb.es
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Riera
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sandiumenge
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Calvo
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Bordas
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Alobid
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Llach
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bernal
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000628:therapy*; D004750:Enteral Nutrition / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005774:Gastrostomy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods*; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008499:Medical Records; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome