Initial PEG Placement

How is a PEG placed?

The procedure will be performed under conscious sedation. Conscious sedation allows the patient to either be asleep or somewhat awake.

During a PEG procedure an endoscope will be inserted into the stomach through the mouth. An endoscope is a flexible thin lighted tube designed to allow your doctor to see the anatomy. The PEG (or feeding tube) is inserted through an incision made in your abdomen. It sits in your stomach and goes through your skin. The PEG procedure typically takes 30 to 45 minutes.¹

Are there any risks to the procedure?

As with any medical procedure there are risks and you should talk to your doctor about what they are. Your doctor will be able to explain the risks and answer any questions you may have.

Potential complications that may be experienced with a PEG placement include, but are not limited to, redness or infection around the PEG site, leakage of stomach contents, dislodgement of the tube, aspiration (inhalation of gastric contents into the lungs).²

Recovery Period

Recovery times may vary depending on the disease that is being treated.

This reference text contains information about a specific procedure and is provided by Boston Scientific Corporation for reference only. Please talk to your doctor about complete procedural information, potential risks, and questions you may have.

References

1. The Cleveland Clinic Information Center, Feeding Tube Placement, 4/5/2005, http://www.clevelandclinic.org/health/health-info/docs/2800/2825.asp?index=10348, accessed 1/15/07.
2. Boston Scientific. An Introduction to Tube Feeding with Microvasive Gastrostomy Tube. MVG480 Rev. A, 1998.