PEG

Overview

PEG (percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy) is a procedure in which a flexible feeding tube is placed through the abdominal wall and into the stomach. The PEG tube allows nutrition, fluids and/or medications to be put directly into the stomach, bypassing the mouth and esophagus. You will be sedated to make you comfortable. You will also be given an IV antibiotic and local anesthesia at the tube site. Your Gastroenterologist will use a lighted flexible tube called an endoscope to guide the creation of a small opening through the skin of the upper abdomen and directly into the stomach. This procedure allows your GI doctor to place and secure a feeding tube into the stomach. A PEG tube is used for patients who have trouble swallowing or are unable to swallow to maintain nutritional intake. In most instances you will require a brief hospital stay to learn how to care for the tube and make plans for appropriate feedings.