title: Complications of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy.
abstract: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) has become the method of choice for mid-to long-term enteral feeding. The majority of complications that occur are minor, but the rare major complications may be life threatening. Some complications occur soon after tube placement, others develop later, when the gastrostomy tract has matured. Older patients with comorbidities and infections appear to be at a greater risk of developing complications. Apart from being aware of indications and contraindications, proper technique of PEG placement, including correct positioning of the external fixation device, and daily tube care are important preventive measures. Adequate management of anticoagulation and antithrombotic agents is important to prevent bleeding, and administration of broad spectrum antibiotics prior to the procedure helps prevent infectious complications. Early recognition of complications enables prompt diagnosis and effective therapy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic. Electronic address: tomas.hucl@ikem.cz.
authors.forename: Tomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Hucl
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic.
authors.forename: Julius
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Spicak
mesh_terms: D004750:Enteral Nutrition; D005773:Gastroscopy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005774:Gastrostomy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007441:Intubation, Gastrointestinal / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control
keywords: Bleeding; Complication; Fistula; Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy; Wound infection