Long-term outcomes of patients receiving percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tubes

OBJECTIVE: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement is the preferred method for long-term enteral feeding of patients who are unable to take food by mouth. Despite the widespread acceptance of the procedure, no large-scale study of the long-term outcomes of patients receiving PEG tubes has been reported. The objective of this study was to determine the survival of patients in whom PEG tubes are placed. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study using data obtained from two computerized databases. SETTING: Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals. PATIENTS: Seven thousand three hundred sixty-nine patients who received a PEG tube in fiscal years 1990 through 1992. RESULTS: For the 7,369 patients, the mean age was 68.1 years and 98.6% were men. PEG tubes were most commonly placed in patients with cerebrovascular disease (18.9%), other organic neurologic disease (28.6%), or head and neck cancer (15.7%). Although the complication rate of the procedure itself was low (4%), because of the severity of their underlying disease, 1,732 patients (23.5%) died during the hospitalization in which the PEG tube was placed. The median survival of the full cohort was 7.5 months. CONCLUSIONS: This study documents the widespread placement of PEG tubes in severely ill patients, half of whom are in the terminal phase of their illness. Further study is needed to determine whether these patients benefit from PEG tube placement in terms of their quality of life and survival. From the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Services Research and Development (HSR&D) Field Program, and the Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Tex. Supported by the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Services Research and Development Houston Field Program. Presented at the 95th annual meeting of the American Gastroenterological Association, New Orleans, La., May 15–18, 1994.     

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy feeding in patients with cystic fibrosis

Background—Malnutritionis a common management problem in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF).Various approaches to supplemental nutrition by both parenteral andenteral routes have been used.
Aim—To analyse theefficacy and acceptability of supplemental overnight feeding using apercutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) in patients with CF.
Patients—53 patientswith CF (43 adults; age >17 years) with severe pulmonary disease.
Methods—The technicalsuccess and complications of PEG insertion were documented togetherwith changes in nutritional and pulmonary status of the cohort.
Results—PEGtubes were successfully inserted in all patients, with immediatecomplications (respiratory depression) in two (4%) and latecomplications in 13 (25%). Feeding was well tolerated by 50/51 (98%)of the cohort during a mean (SEM) follow up of 14.5 (2.1) months. Theadult cohort had a significant increase in weight and body mass indexat six months which was maintained at 12 months. Serum albuminconcentration remained stable at six months but had fallen by 12 months, although the differences were not statisticallysignificant. These results were reflected in the paediatric cohort.Pulmonary function in those followed up for one year had apparentlystabilised, but the number of admissions to hospital over the yearbefore and the year after PEG did not change. Half of the cohort wereaccepted for heart-lung/lung transplantation, the improvement innutritional status being a prerequisite for this.
Conclusion—SupplementalPEG tube feeding is well tolerated and results in a significantimprovement in nutritional status and an apparent stabilisation ofpulmonary function in severely malnourished CF patients with advancedpulmonary disease.

Keywords:cystic fibrosis; malnutrition; enteral nutrition; percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy

     

Long-term outcome following placement of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in younger and older patients

Objective. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is the method of choice in maintaining enteral nutrition in patients with swallowing and nutritional disorders of different etiology. The aim of this study was to assess the long-term outcome of patients following placement of a PEG. Material and methods. All patients who received a PEG between October 1999 and September 2000 were included in this prospective study. Long-term function, replacement or removal of the PEG, complications and survival of the patients were analyzed in group A (younger than 75 years) and group B (75 years or older). Results. The indications for PEG placement in group A (54 patients, mean age 54.5 years) were neurological (66.7%) and malignant (31.5%) disorders, whereas in group B (40 patients, mean age 81 years) the indications were predominantly neurological diseases (87.5%). The majority of patients (91 of 94 patients; 96.8%) could be followed long term or until death. In group A, 46 patients (85.2%) had uncomplicated long-term function of their PEG and interventions were necessary in only 8 patients. Removal of the PEG was possible during the course in 17 patients (31.5%). In group B, uncomplicated long-term function was observed in 34 patients (85%) and interventions were required in only 6 patients. Removal of the PEG was not possible in group B. Survival rates for 1-, 2- and 5 years in group A were 73.9%, 61.8% and 43.9%, respectively, and in group B 41.4%, 31.9% and 15.9%, respectively; the difference was statistically significant (p=0.002). Conclusions. Excellent long-term function of PEG was seen in this study of 94 consecutive patients, and interventions were necessary only in a minority of patients. The prognosis for older patients was worse; however, the 2-year survival rate of 32% justified the PEG insertion.     

Increased risk of peristomal wound infection after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in patients with diabetes mellitus

Background. Results of prospective studies on the effect of prophylactic antibiotics before percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy are conflicting. Factors for increased risk of peristomal wound infection have not been clearly identified.

Aim. To evaluate the incidence of complications of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy and to determine the predictors of wound infection.

Patients and Methods. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy was performed on 134 patients in different disease groups between January 1996 and June 2000. Medical records were carefully reviewed for demographic data, indications for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, use of prophylactic antibiotics, complications and comorbid conditions predisposing to wound infection.

Results. Of 134 patients, 22 (16.4%) developed complications after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy. Wound infection, the most common complication, occurred in 19 patients (14.2%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most frequently isolated microorganism. In univariate analysis, non-malignant disease and diabetes mellitus were significantly associated with peristomal wound infection after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy. In multivariate analysis, only diabetes mellitus was an independent risk factor for the development of peristomal wound infection after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (p=0.035).

Conclusions. Patients with diabetes mellitus have a higher risk of peristomal wound infection after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy.     

Enteral nutrition via percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy and nutritional status of patients: five-year prospective study

BACKGROUND: Since it was described in 1980, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) has been a widely used method for insertion of a gastrostomy tube in patients who are unable to swallow or maintain adequate nutrition. The aim of the present paper was to determine the complications of PEG insertion and to study pre- and post-procedural nutritional status. METHODS: During the period of March 1999-September 2004, placement of PEG tube was performed in 85 patients (22 women and 63 men). Patient nutritional status was assessed before and after PEG insertion via anthropometric measurements. RESULTS: The most frequent indication for PEG insertion was neurological disorders (65.9%). Thirty patients died due to primary disease and two patients due to PEG-related complications within 5 years. There were 14 early complications in 10 patients (15.2%; <30 days), and 18 late complications in 12 patients (19.6%). Total mortality was 37.6%. All complications other than four were minor. Before PEG insertion, patients were assessed with subjective global assessment and it was determined that 43.2% of them had severe, and 41.9% of them had mild malnutrition. After PEG insertion, significant improvements on patient nutrition levels was observed. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is a minimally invasive gastrostomy method with low morbidity and mortality rates, is easy to follow up and easy to replace when clogged.     

Complication and mortality rate after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy are low and indication-dependent*

Abstract

Objective. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is often used for the feeding of patients with malnutrition due to dysphagia, and despite more than 30 years experience, numerous questions on its benefit remain. This was a prospective observational study to assess the safety of PEG. Material and methods. One hundred and nineteen patients mean age 63 years (21–91 years) who were admitted to the Hannover Medical School between November 2010 and March 2012 and had an indication for PEG according to the German guidelines were included. Primary endpoints were the following: reason for indication, date of in-hospital mortality after PEG insertion, death within 3 months after PEG placement, and complications. Results. Most patients (54.6%) received PEG for dysphagia caused by tumors and second (29.4%) for neurologic diseases with a minor proportion of dementia (3%). About 73% of our patients had no complications at all and only 10% suffered severe effects. We saw only 1 case of aspiration, which did not lead to pneumonia. The 30-day mortality was 10%, and no patient died as a result of the PEG procedure. Significantly more patients with neurologic disorders died within 24 weeks of PEG placement than tumor patients (60% versus 27.7%, respectively, p = 0.002, n = 100). Conclusion. It is important to select patients receiving PEG very carefully. The patients’ indications, their primary disease, and their capability for mental cooperation are essential. If these aspects are taken into account, PEG is a safe method with few mainly mild complications.     

Long-term follow-up of consequences of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tubes in nursing home patients

PEG (percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy) tubes are frequently placed in nursing home patients. The aim of this study was to assess retrospectively the long-term changes in functional and nutritional statuses, tube-related complications, and factors influencing survival in 46 nursing home residents, mean age 73.6 years (range 19–96). Functional status was evaluated by a standard rehabilitation medicine scale. Nutritional status was evaluated by serum albumin and cholesterol concentrations and by weight. PEG-related complications requiring hospitalization or emergency room or clinic evaluations were noted. Additionally, changes in resuscitation status were noted. The predominant indication for PEG placement was dementia (52%). At PEG placement, 48% of patients had total functional impairment. Regardless of the severity of impairment, no patient's functional status improved after PEG. Nutritional status did not improve significantly. Mortality approached 50% and 60% at 12 and 18 months, respectively, and was significantly related to age, resuscitation status, and serum albumin concentration. All patients under 40 years of age at PEG survived, in contrast to 41.3% of patients over 40 years of age (P<0.001). Sixty-three percent of patients who were full code at PEG placement survived, in contrast to 10% of no code patients (P<0.001). Albumin 3.5 g/dl at PEG or thereafter was associated with improved survival (P<0.001) as compared to albumin <3.5 g/dl. PEG-related complications occurred in 34.7% of patients, and the first occurred four months after PEG. We conclude that realistic expectations of what PEG can accomplish be a factor in the decision to place a PEG tube in nursing home patients.     

Laparoscopy-assisted percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy enables enteral nutrition even in patients with distorted anatomy

AIM:To analyzed whether laparoscopy-assisted percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy(PEG)could be a valuable option for patients with complicated anatomy.METHODS:A retrospective analysis of twelve patients(seven females,five males;six children,six young adults;mean age 19.2 years)with cerebral palsy,spastic quadriparesis,severe kyphoscoliosis and interposed organs and who required enteral nutrition(EN)due to starvation was performed.For all patients,standard PEG placement was impossible due to distorted anatomy.All the patients qualified for the laparoscopyassisted PEG procedure.RESULTS:In all twelve patients,the laparoscopy-assisted PEG was successful,and EN was introduced four to six hours after the PEG placement.There were no complications in the perioperative period,either technical or metabolic.All the patients were discharged from the hospital and were then effectively fed using bolus methods.CONCLUSION:Laparoscopy-assisted PEG should become the method of choice for gastrostomy tube placement and subsequent EN if PEG placement cannot be performed safely.     

Survival of geriatric patients after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in Japan

AIM: To examine the long term survival of geriatric patients treated with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) in Japan. METHODS: We retrospectively included 46 Japanese community and tertiary hospitals to investigate 931 consecutive geriatric patients (≥ 65 years old) with swallowing difficulty and newly performed PEG between Jan 1st 2005 and Dec 31st 2008. We set death as an outcome and explored the associations among patient’s characteristics at PEG using log-rank tests and Cox proportional hazard m...     

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy feeding in AIDS*

Reduced energy intake is the most important reason for weight loss in advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. From January 1989 to August 1995 enteral feeding via a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube (PEG) was offered to all human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)/AIDS patients attending Fairfield Hospital, Melbourne who were unable to maintain 85% ideal body weight. A total of 71 patients received enteral feeding (1000–2000 kcal/day) for a median period of 161 days (range 4–644 days). Fifty-one (72%) patients gained 5.8 ± 4.4kg (range 0.4 - 19.2kg). Nine gained 10 kg or more. The median time to maximum weight was 74 days after PEG insertion. Those who gained weight had a longer median survival, but this difference was not statistically significant (210 vs 109 days, P=0.07). The only predictor of weight gain was a CD4 count greater than 100/μL. Patients who gained weight reported improved quality of life and increased independence. However, early complications, especially wound infection, were common. Although these data have been gathered retrospectively, our experience suggests that enteral feeding can maintain or improve nutritional status and may improve quality of life in advanced HIV infection.     

Radiologically inserted gastrostomy: differences of maintenance of balloon- vs. loop-retained devices

Purpose: To compare outcome and associated complications of ballon- vs. loop-retained devices for radiologically inserted gastrostomy (RIG).

Methods: From 2007 to 2011 233 patients (age 63.7?±?10.6 years) were referred for a RIG because of pharyngeal stricture Intervention was performed with four different devices: balloon-retained – Freka^® GastroTube, Fresenius Kabi (n?=?121); MIC^® Gastrostomy Feeding Tube, Kimberly–Clark (n?=?34); Russell^® Gastrostomy Tray, Cook Medical Inc. (n?=?17); and loop-retained – Tilma^® Gastrostomy Set, Cook Medical Inc. (n?=?50). Follow-up was performed with regard to RIG-related complications, cause of removal and fatalities. Revision-free survival times after RIG were evaluated using Kaplan–Meier analysis and group differences by log-rank tests. For analysis of demographic and methodical variables multivariate Cox regression models were used.

Results: With a primary technical success rate of 95.3% (222/233) a total of 92 instances of revisions were necessary in 66 patients (66/233, 28.3%) during follow-up (mean 182.8?±?86.6 days). The most common complication was tube dislodgement (14.3%). There were no significant differences between the distinct devices (p?=?0.098), but analyzing the data in subgroups of balloon-compared to loop-retained gastrostomy tubes we observed a significantly higher probability of minor complications for the latter (p?=?0.023).

Conclusion: As it is significantly less prone to minor complications we recommend the use of balloon-retained gastrostomy tubes to improve the practicability and maintenance of RIG.     

Nutritional Status and Quality of Life in Patients with Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) in Practice: Prospective One-Year Follow-Up

Sixty patients (age 73 ± 14 years; 22 women, 38 men) with dysphagia (67% neurological diseases, 33% tumors) were followed up for 1 year after placement of a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG). Before PEG placement and at six appointments thereafter, the patients' nutritional status was measured using bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA) and hematological nutritional parameters. A validated questionnaire was used to assess quality of life (the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index, GIQLI). The overall mortality rate was 65%, and mortality during the hospitalization period was 22%. Depending on the duration of the dysphagia, marked nutritional deficits were observed at the start of the study (deficiencies in albumin in 49% of the patients, calcium in 15%, magnesium in 18%, retinol in 78%, -tocopherol in 16%, folic acid in 16%, vitamin B₁₂ in 8%, vitamin D in 40%, and zinc in 46%). With the exception of vitamin E, all parameters returned to normal during the follow-up period. At the start of the study, BIA indicated nutritional deficiency in 90% of the patients, with no overall improvement being observed during the follow-up period. The GIQLI scores, on average, reached a figure of 61% of an unrestricted quality of life. In conclusion, long-term nutrition via the PEG tube maintained the patients' quality of life. For BIA most patients were malnourished during the follow-up period, but nevertheless PEG feeding was enough to compensate for gross nutritional deficiencies. Not infrequently, the indication for PEG placement is established too late.     

Marked pneumoperitoneum 3 weeks after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy

In November 2001, a 29-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital because of dysphagia due to an apallic state caused by cerebral anoxia. Nutritional support was maintained by nasogastric tube feeding for approximately 3 months. For improvement of the body state maintenance and quality of life, a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) was performed. Three weeks after the PEG, the patient had a wound infection and abdominal distension appeared. Marked pneumoperitoneum was confirmed by radiological examination. No signs or symptoms of peritoneal inflammation developed. A gastrografin study showing that the PEG tube was in the stomach appropriately was checked, and it was noted to be firmly in place without extravasation of contrast. After suspension of the tube feeding and tube opening to decrease intragastric pressure, intravenous hyperalimentation was performed. The pneumoperitoneum resolved within 7 days. Forty days after the PEG, tube feeding was resumed successfully. No recurrence of pneumoperitoneum developed and the patient has remained stable until the present time. The etiology of this finding probably occurs by insufficient fixation of the PEG, causing leakage of air through the gastric wall which enters the free peritoneal space. We recommend that the external binder should be kept 1 cm away from the abdominal skin after the gastrostomy fistula has formed and matured, and periodic rotation of the tube to verify that the internal bumper is free and sufficiently fixed to the gastric wall. In the case of abdominal distension after PEG placement, a X-ray examination and computed tomography (CT) scan with contrast medium would be helpful to ascertain pneumoperitoneum.     

Managing complications of percutaneous tracheostomy and gastrostomy

Percutaneous tracheostomy and gastrostomy are some of the most commonly performed procedures at bedside in the intensive care unit. While they are generally considered safe, they can be associated with numerous short and long-term complications, many of which can occur long after their placement and cause significant morbidity. Performers of these procedures should possess a comprehensive understanding of procedural indications and contraindications, and know how to recognize and manage complications that may arise. In this review, we highlight complications of percutaneous tracheostomy and describe strategies for their prevention and management, with a special focus on post-tracheostomy tracheal stenosis. Other complications reviewed include bleeding, pneumothorax and subcutaneous emphysema, posterior wall injury, tube displacement, tracheomalacia, tracheoinominate artery fistula, tracheo-esophageal fistula, and stomal cellulitis. Gastrostomy complications and their management are also discussed including bleeding, internal organ injury, necrotizing fasciitis, aspiration pneumonia, buried bumper syndrome, tumor seeding, wound infection, tube displacement, peristomal leakage, and gastric outlet obstruction. In light of the potentially serious outcomes associated with complications of percutaneous tracheostomy and gastrostomy, the emphasis should be placed on risk-reduction strategies to minimize morbidity and mortality. We therefore present detailed pragmatic and comprehensive checklists to serve as a reference for clinicians involved in performing these procedures.