Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in head and neck cancer patients.
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.
Riera
L
L
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain. 311901rg@comb.es
Sandiumenge
A
A
Calvo
C
C
Bordas
J M
JM
Alobid
I
I
Llach
J
J
Bernal
M
M
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