Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy: Procedure, Complications and Management

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is considered in patients with insufficient oral intake who need enteral feeding or therapeutic gastric decompression. PEG tube feeding is generally superior to nasogastric tube feeding in terms of patients’ comfort, long-term use, and feeding efficiency. Patient selection for PEG, the proper endoscopic insertion technique, early recognition of complications, and appropriate management are important for patient care. During preparation, adequate management of anticoagulation and antithrombotic agents are important to prevent bleeding, and prophylactic antibiotics prevent wound infection. Most complications are minor; however, major complications that require surgical correction or are life-threatening may occur, such as wound infection, bleeding, buried bumper syndrome, colocutaneous fistula, perforation, volvulus, and injuries to other organs. This review presents practical guidelines for the selection and preparation of patients, endoscopic insertion methods, and complication management strategies.