Ethical challenges of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy.
Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a widely used procedure for patients who cannot swallow. Although it is mostly performed for valid indications, its use in terminally ill patients is questionable. In this study, more than 30% of patients died in hospital after PEG placement and 16% died less than 30 days after placement. Strict guidelines and oversight or PEG placement are recommended.
Morgenstern
L
L
Center for Health Care Ethics, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 444 South San Vicente Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA. morgenstern@cshs.org
Laquer
M
M
Treyzon
L
L
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005773:Gastroscopy / Q000941:ethics*; D005774:Gastrostomy / Q000941:ethics* / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies