PERCUTANEOUS ENDOSCOPIC GASTROSTOMY IN NORTH WEST PAKISTAN

Background: Feeding patients with inability to swallow has always been a problem. The objective of this study was to report our experience with placement of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube so as to create awareness among medical professionals regarding the availability of this service locally. Material & Methods: Patients who underwent percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) during the period December 1999 to January 2008 at Al-Ibrahimi Hospital and Rehman Medical Institute, Peshawar, were included in the study. The indications and procedure outcome were evaluated. Patients were admitted for 48 hours post-procedure. Feeding was started 12 hours after tube placement and care instructions were given to the care givers in all cases. Results: A total of 26 patients, 14 male and 12 female, underwent PEG tube placement. Patient age range was 22-79 years, mean age being 57.2 years. PEG tube placement was performed successfully in all patients. Mild infection at tube site was the only complication noted in 03 patients. This was managed satisfactorily with enteral antibiotics. All patients were followed up for a minimum period of one month. No complications were reported during this period. The longest follow up is in a patient with stroke, 5 years and 4 months to date. Conclusion: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is a safe procedure for providing nutritional support where indicated and can improve overall patient care.