Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a procedure to make an opening between the skin of your belly and your stomach. The doctor will put a thin tube called a gastrostomy tube into your stomach through the opening. This tube is sometimes called a G-tube or feeding tube. The tube can put liquid nutrition, fluid, and medicines directly into your stomach. The tube also may be used to drain liquid or air from the stomach.
You will get medicine to numb the back of your throat. You also will get medicine to make you sleep or feel relaxed. The medicine also prevents pain during the procedure. The doctor will put a thin, lighted tube that bends (called an endoscope, or scope) into your mouth. He or she will move the scope gently down your throat. The scope will have a camera on it. The doctor will look at a monitor (like a TV set or a computer screen) as he or she moves the scope into your stomach. The doctor will send puffs of air through the scope. This inflates your stomach. It helps the doctor see where to place the feeding tube.
The doctor will make a small cut in your belly. The cut is called an incision. The doctor will put the feeding tube into your mouth. Then he or she will guide the tube down your throat into your stomach. The doctor will pull one end of the feeding tube out of your belly through the incision. This end of the feeding tube will stay outside your body. The other end will stay in your stomach. The doctor may use stitches to close the incision around the feeding tube.
You will go home the same day as your procedure. Before you go home, your doctor or nurse will teach you how to use and care for your feeding tube.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Procedures can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for your procedure.
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Current as of: August 9, 2016
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
& Kenneth Bark, MD - General Surgery, Colon and Rectal Surgery
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