What is a peg line?

PEG stands for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, a procedure in which a flexible feeding tube is placed through the abdominal wall and into the stomach. PEG allows nutrition, fluids and/or medications to be put directly into the stomach, bypassing the mouth and esophagus.

People also ask, why would someone need a PEG tube?

A PEG feeding tube can be used if you have difficulty with swallowing or have a problem that causes a risk of swallowed food going into your lungs rather than into your stomach. PEG tubes may also be used for many other conditions such as bowel cancer, after a head injury, Crohn's disease or severe burns.

One may also ask, how is a PEG feeding tube inserted? A PEG is a feeding tube inserted into the stomach using a Gastroscope (see diagram). To place the tube, an endoscope (a thin flexible tube with a camera at the end) is passed through your mouth, down the gullet into the stomach.

Also Know, what does peg tube mean?

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is an endoscopic medical procedure in which a tube (PEG tube) is passed into a patient's stomach through the abdominal wall, most commonly to provide a means of feeding when oral intake is not adequate (for example, because of dysphagia or sedation).

Is a PEG feeding tube permanent?

Depending on the medical condition, a PEG feeding tube may be temporary or permanent. However, those with more permanent neurologic damage may require a feeding tube long-term. In either case, the feeding tube can be easily removed if necessary.

26 Related Question Answers Found

Can you eat food with a PEG tube?

There are many different reasons why patients have feeding tubes, and some of these reasons make it difficult or dangerous to eat by mouth. If an individual can eat by mouth safely, then he/she can absolutely eat food! Eating won't hurt the tube and using the tube won't make it unsafe to eat.

How long can you live with a peg?

Most investigators study patients after the PEG tube has been placed. As shown in Table 1, the mortality rate for these patients is high: 2% to 27% are dead within 30 days, and approximately 50% or more within 1 year.

Can an RN remove a PEG tube?

The nutrition nurse specialist will remove your tube after they have explained the procedure to you, your relatives or carers. The nurse will remove all the PEG tube clips until only the PEG tube is left. They will lay one hand on your stomach and pull the tube gently but firmly until it pops out.

How often should a PEG tube be replaced?

Conclusion: PEG tubes should be replaced after approximately eight months in order to prevent skin infection around the PEG and fungal growth. We recommend replacement of PEG tubes by a skilled physician in the hospital at regular eight-month intervals.

Does PEG feeding prolong life?

If a patient can't or won't eat or drink, the doctor might suggest a feeding tube. But, at the end of life, a feeding tube might cause more discomfort than not eating. For people with dementia, tube feeding does not prolong life or prevent aspiration.

What is the difference between a PEG tube and a gastrostomy tube?

They are often used as the initial G-tube for the first 8-12 weeks post-surgery. PEG specifically describes a long G-tube placed by endoscopy, and stands for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy. Sometimes the term PEG is used to describe all G-tubes. Surgeons may place other styles of long tubes.

How do they remove a PEG tube?

For externally removable PEG tube, the PEG can be removed by external traction. If the internal bumper is non-collapsible, the PEG tube can be removed after endoscopic dissection of the PEG tract using a coagulation device (such as needle knife or snare). Insert a wire guide through the existing PEG tube.

What conditions require a feeding tube?

The more common conditions that necessitate feeding tubes include prematurity, failure to thrive (or malnutrition), neurologic and neuromuscular disorders, inability to swallow, anatomical and post-surgical malformations of the mouth and esophagus, cancer, Sanfilippo syndrome, and digestive disorders.

What are the complications of a PEG tube?

Major complications include necrotising fasciitis,esophageal perforation, gastric perforation, majorgastrointestinal bleeding, colo-cutaneous fistula, buriedbumper syndrome, and inadvertent PEG removal.

How long does peg surgery take?

A small incision is made in the abdominal wall where the PEG tube will exit. The procedure lasts from 30 to 45 minutes.

Is peg placement a major surgery?

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy involves placement of a tube through the abdominal wall and into the stomach through which nutritional liquids can be infused. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is a surgical procedure; however, it does not require opening the abdomen or an operating room.

What are the parts of a PEG tube?

Here are the important parts of your PEG tube:

PEG/Gastronomy feeding tube.
2 small discs that are on the outside and the inside of the gastrostomy opening (or stoma) in your stomach wall.
A clamp to close off the feeding tube.
A device to attach or fix the tube to the skin when not feeding.

Who puts in a PEG tube?

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement is best completed by a two-person team that includes an endoscopist and a "skin person" to handle the nonendoscopic portions of the procedure. (The skin person can be a physician or a physician assistant.)

How do you stop a PEG tube from leaking?

You can put a 4 inch square of gauze around the tube between the skin and the external washer to capture moisture that may leak out. Avoid putting ointment or a topical antibiotic on the skin, such as Neosporin.

How do you check placement of a PEG tube?

Measure your tube: Use a ruler to measure the length of your feeding tube.
• If you have a nasogastric tube (NG), measure from where the tube comes out of your nose to the end of the tube.
• If you have a G-tube or PEG tube, measure from where the tube comes out of your abdomen to the end of the tube.

Does inserting a feeding tube hurt?

Depending on your situation, the tube will run either through your nose or into your stomach or intestines. You'll need surgery for a gastric tube, the most common type, to run it through your belly. A feeding tube can be uncomfortable and even painful sometimes.

How do you take a shower with a PEG tube?

Begin with water on evening of tube placement and begin regular tube feeding after 24 hours, as instructed. You may shower 24 hours after tube placement. To remove drainage, crusts, or blood from the skin around the tube, use a solution of half hydrogen peroxide- half water.