Insertion of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tubes by a maxillofacial surgical team in patients with oropharyngeal cancer.
This study assessed the clinical outcome after insertion of a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube (PEGT) by a maxillofacial team in a series of 54 patients. The indication for PEG feeding was any patient with oropharyngeal cancer who was unlikely to return to oral feeding within 14 days. Fifty-two patients (96%) had tubes successfully inserted at the time of examination under anaesthesia (n = 19) or definitive operation (n = 33). Feeding was established at a median of 2 days (range 1-6). Median duration of tube feeding was 18 weeks (range 4-70). There were no deaths or major complications and 10 minor complications. No tube was lost or required premature removal. We conclude that insertion of a PEG tube is a procedure that can be done safely by maxillofacial surgeons.
North Wales Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Training Programme, Glan Clwyd District General Hospital, Rhyl, North Wales LL18 5UJ, UK. christopher.lloyd@virgin.net
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D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000601:surgery; D004750:Enteral Nutrition / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005773:Gastroscopy; D005774:Gastrostomy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D007441:Intubation, Gastrointestinal / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D019647:Oral Surgical Procedures; D010610:Pharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery