Prevention of late complications by half-solid enteral nutrients in percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube feeding

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy feeding is accompanied by unique complications, which are not easily controlled. OBJECTIVE: In an attempt to decrease complications, we used half-solid nutrients for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy feeding in an 85-year-old woman. The patient had been receiving enteral nutrients via percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, and we examined whether this approach can reduce complications. She presented with regurgitation of enteral nutrients and recurrent respiratory infections. METHODS: Half-solid enteral nutrients, prepared by mixing liquid enteral nutrients with agar powder, were administered via percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy. RESULTS: Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disappeared immediately after the start of half-solid enteral nutrient feeding. CONCLUSION: Gastroesophageal reflux and leakage, two intractable late complications of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube feeding, can be alleviated by the solidification of enteral nutrients. Since this method allows quick administration of nutrients, it is also expected to help prevent the occurrence of decubitus ulcers and reduce the burden to the caregiver.     

Percutaneous transgastric irrigation drainage in combination with endoscopic necrosectomy in necrotizing pancreatitis (with videos)

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic drainage of pancreatic acute and chronic pseudocysts and pancreatic necrosectomy have been shown to be beneficial for critically ill patients, with complete endoscopic resolution rates of around 80%. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to describe an improved endoscopic technique used to treat pancreatic necrosis. DESIGN: Case report. SETTING: University hospital. PATIENTS AND INTERVENTIONS: Two patients with large retroperitoneal necroses were treated with percutaneous transgastric retroperitoneal flushing tubes and a percutaneous transgastric jejunal feeding tube by standard percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy access in addition to endoscopic necrosectomy. RESULTS: Intensive percutaneous transgastric flushing in combination with percutaneous normocaloric enteral nutrition and repeated endoscopic necrosectomy led to excellent outcomes in both patients. LIMITATIONS: Small number of patients. CONCLUSIONS: The "double percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy" approach for simultaneous transgastric drainage and normocaloric enteral nutrition in severe cases of pancreatic necroses is safe and effective. It could be a promising improvement to endoscopic transgastric treatment options in necrotizing pancreatitis.     

Endoscopic placement of direct percutaneous jejunostomy tubes in patients with complications after esophagectomy

BACKGROUND: Complications after esophagectomy may prevent oral intake, lead to dependence on total parenteral nutrition, and lengthen hospital stay. Direct percutaneous endoscopic placement of a jejunostomy tube allows enteral feeding in the presence of postoperative complications and eliminates the need for total parenteral nutrition. METHODS: A total parenteral nutrition database was used to identify patients who received total parenteral nutrition because of complications after esophagectomy. Records of all patients subsequently referred for percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy placement were reviewed. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients with postesophagectomy complications were referred for percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy placement. A percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy was successfully placed in 21 patients (84%), all of whom were weaned off total parenteral nutrition. Six patients (29%) in whom percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy placement was successful died during hospitalization at a mean of 20 days (range 5-40 days) after the procedure for reasons unrelated to percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy tube insertion. The remaining 15 patients were discharged while receiving nutrition by means of the percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy. Ten of them had subsequent removal of the percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy at a mean of 131 days (range 20-281 days). There were no major percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy-related complications. Minor complications occurred in 4 patients (19%). CONCLUSION: Percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy placement may be considered in patients with complications after esophagectomy. In these patients, percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy placement avoids the need for total parenteral nutrition.     

Percutaneous sonographic gastrostomy: method, indications, and problems

Objectives: This study evaluated the application of ultrasound (US) guidance in the percutaneous placement of gastric feeding tubes in patients in whom endoscopic placement of a nutrition tube is not possible.
Methods: Thirty-eight patients with upper gastrointestinal obstruction were entered in a prospective study with US-guided nutrition tube application. Feasibility of placement, side effects, and nutritional states were monitored for a mean follow-up of 4 months.
Results: Ultrasound allowed rapid puncture after filling of the stomach with water through a nasal tube in 34/38 cases. In four cases a total upper gastrointestinal obstruction required an initial stomach insufflation through a direct puncture. Puncture-related major complications were not observed. Minor complications during the observation time were one late dislocation, five cases with broken material after about 6 months (four could be changed by using the Seldinger technique), and two minor local infections. The nutrition through feeding tubes stabilized body weight and body composition parameters.
Conclusion: The percutaneous sonographic gastrostomy (PSG) is a safe and minimally invasive procedure for enteral nutrition in all cases with upper gastrointestinal obstruction when endoscopic placement of a feeding tube is not possible. Percutaneous sonographic gastrostomy may help to stabilize the nutritional parameters and general condition in patients with malignant diseases.     

Metastasis to the gastrostomy site in a patient with pharynx cancer after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy: a case report

Abstract

A stenosing tumour in the throat region is a common indication for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG), which may be used for enteral nutrition in palliative cases or placed prior to curative treatment (surgery, radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy) and removed when the patient has recovered and has a reliable and adequate oral intake. Major complications related to PEG are rare, but their treatment poses a challenge. We are presenting a case of the transmission of metastasis to the gastrostomy site in a patient with pharynx cancer after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy.     

Tube feeding - who, how and when

Summary. The concept of enteral nutrition is well established for a long time. During the past twenty years different percutaneous tube feeding techniques have been established. The most popular method is the percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) which is applied as a pull-through technique in Germany. In some patients this approach is not successful and alternative techniques must be used (e. g. introducer method). In some patients nasal or percutaneous feeding tube have to be placed directly into the intestine. There are different systems available for this approach which have to be clearly indicated. As a second step after initiation of enteral nutrition therapy quality of life can be improved by implanting secondary systems (e. g. button gastrostomy).A standardized technique for inserting tubes is essential to have a successful long-term outcome in enteral nutrition and care after has to be integrated into the regimen. The aim of this article is to demonstrate different enteral nutrition tube techniques their indication, contraindication and long-term follow-up.     

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy:Indications,technique,complications and management

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy(PEG)is the preferred route of feeding and nutritional support in patients with a functional gastrointestinal system who require long-term enteral nutrition.Besides its wellknown advantages over parenteral nutrition,PEG offers superior access to the gastrointestinal system over surgical methods.Considering that nowadays PEG tube placement is one of the most common endoscopic procedures performed worldwide,knowing its indications and contraindications is of paramount importance in current medicine.PEG tubes are sometimes placed inappropriately in patients unable to tolerate adequate oral intake because of incorrect and unrealistic understanding of their indications and what they can accomplish.Broadly,the two main indications of PEG tube placement are enteral feeding and stomach decompression.On the other hand,distal enteral obstruction,severe uncorrectable coagulopathy and hemodynamic instability constitute the main absolute contraindications for PEG tube placement in hospitalized patients.Although generally considered to be a safe procedure,there is the potential for both minor and major complications.Awareness of these potential complications,as well as understanding routine aftercare of the catheter,can improve the quality of care for patients with a PEG tube.These complications can generally be classified into three major categories:endoscopic technical difficulties,PEG procedure-related complications and late complications associated with PEG tube use and wound care.In this review we describe a variety of minor and major tube-related complications as well as strategies for their management and avoidance.Different methods of percutaneous PEG tube placement into the stomach have been described in the literature with the"pull"technique being the most common method.In the last section of this review,the reader is presented with a brief discussion of these procedures,techniques and related issues.Despite the mentioned PEG tube placement complications,this procedure has gained worldwide popularity as a safe enteral access for nutrition in patients with a functional gastrointestinal system.     

Assessment of the percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy feeding tube as part of an integrated approach to enteral feeding.

The insertion of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy has been well documented. The possible benefits for patient nutrition and nursing practice have, however, not been assessed. We report a study of enteral feeding by percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in 30 patients, the majority with a persistent vegetative state. All patients had previously been fed through a nasogastric tube using manual administration and a dietitian assessed protein calorie intake. Based upon body mass index (weight/height2), midarm circumference and triceps skinfold thickness, 20 (67%) were malnourished, with 10 patients having a body mass index less than 17 (severe malnutrition); attributed to high rates of both tube displacement and feed regurgitation. Patients were observed over six to 12 months after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy insertion combined with overnight continuous pump feeding. All patients attained a body mass index greater than 17, and 17 (56%) of the total number achieved the normal range with no change in protein-calorie intake (pre: 2110 kcal, post: 1880 kcal). Complications of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in the study group included peritonitis (one), tube site infection (two) and displacement (two); all without serious sequelae. As part of an integrated approach percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy proved a safe and efficient method of enteral feeding and justifies wider consideration in the United Kingdom.     

Ultrasound guidance in the placement of a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG): An adjuvant technique in patients with abdominal wall varices?

Malnutrition in patients with liver disease is common. As a result, enteral feeding may be indicated. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy insertion is rarely performed because the presence of varices is considered to be a contraindication. We report a case of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy insertion in a patient with both gastric and oesophageal varices. The use of abdominal ultrasound may provide an adjuvant tool for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy insertion. This novel technique may minimise the risk of complications in selected patients.     

Advances in Enteral Nutrition Techniques

The increasing use of enteral nutrition in hospitals has led to an expanded role for the gastroenterologist and surgeon in providing enteral access. New concepts in immunonutrition and gut support in critically ill patients have popularized early postoperative feeding. There is an ongoing need to update physicians on the diverse enteral access techniques now available. In addition to standard percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) and percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy (PEJ) techniques, this review focuses on reflux prevention through double-lumen feeding-suction tubes, and describes the use of steerable catheters for rapid insertion of nasojejunal and PEJ tubes without endoscopy. Low-profile "button"-type devices, one-step button placement, replacement gastrostomy devices, and special enteral techniques for patients with cancer are also reviewed.     

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in elderly patients. A prospective study in a geriatric hospital

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this work was to search for prognostic factors after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) for enteral nutrition in geriatric patients by studying complications, nutritional benefits, and impact on quality of life.METHODS: In this prospective study, 59 elderly patients referred for PEG were followed for 1 year or until tube removal or death. Complications, tolerance to enteral nutrition, nutritional status, infection, bedsores and quality of life were assessed by a questionnaire at tube insertion, at 1 month and every 3 months. Multivariate analysis was performed to look for factors predictive of early mortality before one month.RESULTS: Insertion of the PEG tube was always successful. Pneumonia in the week before tube insertion was predictive of early mortality (odds-ratio: 8.77 [1.63-47.2], P=0.01). Thirty-day mortality was 25%, but was never related to PEG tube insertion. During follow up, no local complication was observed and enteral feeding was well tolerated. After 3 months, serum albumin and prealbumin levels increased (P<0.001). There were fewer infections (P<0.001) and bedsores remained unchanged. Quality-of-life scores were not modified. At one year, the PEG tube was removed in 16 patients who resumed normal oral nutrition, and 6 other patients were able to return to their home.CONCLUSION: In a cohort of aged institutionalized patients, PEG for enteral nutrition was well tolerated and not definitive in more than one-quarter of them. Active lung infection is a risk factor of early mortality.     

Puncture gastrostomy in oncologic patients

Puncture gastrostomies--percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy and radiologically assisted gastrostomy--are minimally invasive methods to ensure an approach for the administration of enteral nutrition. These methods replaced the insertion of tubes during surgery (surgical gastrostomy). Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is inserted by means of a gastroscope, usually by the pull method, radiologically assisted gastrostomy (RAG) is implemented after insufflation of the stomach by a thin tube directly across the abdominal wall by the push method. In oncological patients it is preferable to administer enteral nutrition via puncture gastrostomy in case of obstruction of the upper portion of the digestive tract (oral cavity, larynx, pharynx, oesophagus), in deglutition disorders caused by cerebral tumours or in order to improve the nutritional status of patients with tumour cachexia. In the authors group in 1995-2000 a total of 53 puncture gastrostomies were made in 53 patients, 37 men and 16 women, mean age 62 years (32-94 years, incl. 38 PEG and 15 RAG. In 30 patients the reason was obstruction of the upper digestive tract, in 11 patients impaired swallowing associated with a cerebral tumour and in 12 patients the cause was tumourous cachexia. Puncture gastrostomies are well tolerated by the attending staff and patients, in oncology they can be used for administration of enteral nutrition under hospital and domiciary conditions.     

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.     

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.     

Enteral nutrition by endoscopic means; I. Techniques, indications, types of enteral feed

Enteral nutritional support plays a major role in the management of patients who are critically ill in intensive care units (ICU), those with poor volitional intake, persons with chronic neurological or mechanical dysphagia, and individuals with gut dysfunction. Part I of this review will briefly discuss the principles governing nasoenteral feeding and will describe in detail the endoscopic-assisted methods for placing enteral feeding tubes. These include percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, jejunal extension through a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy or direct endoscopic jejunostomy, and the "one-step button". In addition, the types of enteral food with focus on disease-specific enteral diets will be discussed. Finally, the latest innovations in enteral feeding including immune-enhancing nutrients such as arginine, omega-3 fatty acids, glutamine, and nucleotides advocated for critically ill patients will be discussed. Questions regarding possible complications and long-term results of the various methods of enteral feeding will be discussed separately in part II.     

Complications of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in the elderly: local skin infection and respiratory infection

We investigated post-operative management of acute complications of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) which often caused respiratory infections and local skin infections. The subjects were a total of 341 patients (male 131, female 210, and the mean age was 80.3), they were classified into six groups by method of feeding and use of antibiotics. Patients were divided into three groups based on the time that feeding was started. In Group I, enteral feeding was not started within the first five days. In Group II, sterilized enteral feeding (lactated Ringer's solution for intravenous infusion) using sterilized intravenous infusion kit started within 24 hours after the procedure, and in Group III, feeding of the usual enteral formula started within 24 hours after the procedure. And as for the using of antibiotics, they were also divided into two groups, antibiotics administered[AB (+)] and no antibiotics administered[AB (-)]. Thus, the patients were divided into six groups according to the time of starting nutrition and the use of antibiotics. The rates of incidence of acute respiratory infections and local skin infections in the six groups were compared by the chi-square test and differences in the rates of incidence of complication were also compared between two PEG methods; the Pull/Push method and the Introducer method. The frequency of local skin infection in Group III was significantly higher than in Group I and Group II. As for the PEG methods, the frequency of local skin infection in the Pull/Push method was significantly higher than Introducer methods. Acute respiratory infections occurred significantly less in the AB (+) group than in the AB (-) group. Postoperative administration of antibiotics would seem to be appropriate for prophylaxis of respiratory infection in elderly patients after PEG. On the other hand, local skin infections are not related to administration of antibiotics, and are highly related to the method of feeding. We concluded that nutrition of sterilized enteral feeding immediately after operation using a sterilized intravenous infusion kit and administration of antibiotics are advisable to prevent major complications in elderly patients.     

The provision of a percutaneously placed enteral tube feeding service

There is overwhelming evidence that the maintenance of enteral feeding is beneficial in patients in whom oral access has been diminished or lost. Short-term enteral access is usually achieved via naso-enteral tube placement. For longer term tube feeding there are recognised advantages for enteral feeding tubes placed percutaneously. The provision of a percutaneous enteral tube feeding service should be within the remit of the hospital nutrition support team (NST). This designated team should provide a framework for patient selection, pre-assessment and post-procedural care. Close working relations with community-based services should be established. An accredited therapeutic endoscopist should be a member of the NST and direct the technical aspects of the service. Every endoscopy unit in an acute hospital setting should provide a basic percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) service. This should include provision for fitting a PEG jejunal extension (PEGJ) if required. Specialist units should be identified where a more comprehensive service is provided, including direct jejunal placement (DPEJ), as well as radiological and laparoscopically placed tubes. Good understanding of the indications for percutaneous enteral tube feeding will prevent inappropriate procedures and ensure that the correct feeding route is selected at the appropriate time. Each unit should adopt and become familiar with a limited range of PEG tube equipment. Careful adherence to the important technical details of tube insertion will reduce peri-procedural complications. Post-procedural complications remain relatively common, however, and an awareness of the correct approach to managing them is essential for all clinicians involved in providing a percutaneous enteral tube feeding service. Finally, ethical considerations should always be taken into account when considering long-term enteral feeding, especially for patients with a poor quality of life.     

Gastroenteric tube feeding: Techniques,problems and solutions

Gastroenteric tube feeding plays a major role in the management of patients with poor voluntary intake, chronic neurological or mechanical dysphagia or gut dysfunction, and patients who are critically ill. However, despite the benefits and widespread use of enteral tube feeding, some patients experience complications. This review aims to discuss and compare current knowledge regarding the clinical application of enteral tube feeding, together with associated complications and special aspects. We conducted an extensive literature search on PubMed, Embase and Medline using index terms relating to enteral access, enteral feeding/nutrition, tube feeding, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy/jejunostomy, endoscopic nasoenteric tube, nasogastric tube, and refeeding syndrome. The literature showed common routes of enteral access to include nasoenteral tube, gastrostomy and jejunostomy, while complications fall into four major categories: mechanical, e.g., tube blockage or removal; gastrointestinal, e.g., diarrhea; infectious e.g., aspiration pneumonia, tube site infection; and metabolic, e.g., refeeding syndrome, hyperglycemia. Although the type and frequency of complications arising from tube feeding vary considerably according to the chosen access route, gastrointestinal complications are without doubt the most common. Complications associated with enteral tube feeding can be reduced by careful observance of guidelines, including those related to food composition, administration rate, portion size, food temperature and patient supervision.     

Prognosis factors of short and long-term survival in elderly hospitalized patients after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy

OBJECTIVE: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is the procedure of choice to achieve long-term enteral nutrition. The risks and benefits of PEG in elderly hospitalized patients have been poorly documented. The objective of this study was to describe the outcome of elderly patients one-year after insertion of a PEG tube.PATIENTS AND METHODS: Hospital records of 73 patients who underwent PEG for enteral nutrition were reviewed retrospectively. Data on patient age and sex, preexisting medical conditions such as dementia or pressure sores, indication for PEG, concomitant infection, complications of PEG and death were obtained from the hospital charts.RESULTS: The main indication for PEG was anorexia (49%). Before insertion of the gastrostomy tube, 44% of the patients had pressure scores, 30% had concomitant infection, 45% had dementia. PEG complications were observed in 51 patients. The survival rate at 1, 6 and 12 months was 0.68 [95% confidence interval - CI 95%: 0.56-0.78], 0.48 [CI 95%: 0.36-0.59] and 0.37 [CI 95%: 0.26-0.48] respectively. The presence of an infectious disease or of pressure sores at the time of PEG tube insertion were independently associated with mortality. Median survival of patients with these two factors was 32 days [CI 95%: 11-98].CONCLUSION: According to these results, the PEG tubes should be inserted with a delay from infectious diseases and before the occurrence of pressure sores.     

Direct percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy: a case series in pediatric patients.

BACKGROUND: Direct percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy (DPEJ) is a well-known approach to deliver postpyloric enteral nutrition support to individuals who cannot tolerate gastric feeding. DPEJ addresses many of the shortcomings of jejunal feeding tubes placed through percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tubes. The safety and efficacy of DPEJ in adults has been previously reported. There are no reports on the use of DPEJ in pediatric patients. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to report on 5 pediatric patients who underwent DPEJ placement between January 2000 and January 2003 over the available follow-up periods. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. SETTING: University of Utah Health Sciences Center and the Medical University of South Carolina. PATIENTS: Five patients, age range 4 to 17 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Rate of successful tube placement, major and minor complications, and outcomes including weight gain and recurrent aspiration after DPEJ placement. RESULTS: All 5 attempted DPEJs were placed successfully with 2 minor complications of peristomal leakage and peristomal skin infection. One DPEJ was replaced 2 years after placement because of fungal degradation. The mean weight gain among all patients was 10.3 kg in a mean of 22.6 months. LIMITATIONS: Retrospective, small series. CONCLUSIONS: DPEJ placement appears to be a safe and effective approach to enteral nutritional support in pediatric patients requiring long-term access to the jejunum. No major complications occurred and all patients gained weight after tube placement.