PEG is a surgical procedure where a feeding tube is placed through the abdomen into the stomach using an endoscope, avoiding open abdominal surgery. It is used for patients unable to eat for a prolonged period. A gastrostomy is created through the skin and stomach using the endoscope to guide placement of the feeding tube. PEG is performed to provide nutrition to patients who cannot swallow food and is done by physicians like surgeons, ENT specialists, radiologists or gastroenterologists, often in outpatient settings. It has advantages over surgical gastrostomy in taking less time, carrying less risk and costing less.

1. What is PEG?

2. What is PEG
Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a surgical
procedure for placing a tube for feeding without having to
perform an open operation on the abdomen (laparotomy). It
is used in patients who will be unable to take in food by
mouth for a prolonged period of time. A gastrostomy, or
surgical opening into the stomach, is made through the skin
using an a flexible, lighted instrument (endoscope) passed
orally into the stomach to assist with the placement of the
tube and secure it in place.

3. The purpose of PEG
The purpose of a percutaneous endoscopic gastronomy is to
feed those patients who cannot swallow food. Irrespective of
the age of the patient or their medical condition, the
purpose of percutaneous endoscopic gastronomy is to
provide fluids and nutrition directly into the stomach.

4. The purpose of PEG
Percutaneous endoscopic gastronomy is done by a physician.
The physician may be a general surgeon, an otolaryngologist
(ENT specialist), radiologist, or a gastroenterologist
(gastrointestinal specialist).

5. The purpose of PEG
PEG is performed in a hospital or outpatient surgical facility.
It is not necessary to perform a percutaneous endoscopic
gastronomy in an operating room.

6. Advantages
Percutaneous endoscopic gastronomy takes less time, carries
less risk and costs less than a surgical gastrostomy which
requires opening the abdomen. Percutaneous endoscopic
gastronomy is a commonly-performed so there are many
physicians with experience in performing the procedure.
When feasible, percutaneous endoscopic gastronomy is
preferable to a surgical gastrostomy.