Complications and outcome of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in a high-volume centre

Introduction: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is the method of choice for long-term enteral feeding for patients with swallowing disorders and normal gut function. There is limited data regarding the demographics and clinical characteristics of patients from whom PEG was removed.

Patients and methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of all consecutive adult patients who underwent first placement of PEG between 1 August 2013 and 31 December 2015 at Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm, Sweden.

Results: In total, 495 PEG were inserted in 495 patients during the study period, 56% male, mean age at insertion 67 years (range 19–95). Most patients belonged to the neurologic group (52%), followed by the oncologic (32%), another diagnosis (9%) and trauma (7%). Major complications occurred in 10 (2.0%) patients. There were no differences in the age or BMI of patients with either minor or major complications but both parameters were risk factors in terms of survival. PEG was removed from 165 (33.3%) patients, most of them from the oncology group, due to the improvement of general status of patients after specific oncologic treatment.

Conclusion: Increased age and low BMI were identified as risk factors for mortality but did not correspond with the rate of complications. Antibiotic prophylaxis with sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim provides good protection for patients with PEG.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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

     

经皮内镜下胃造瘘术应用进展

经皮内镜下胃造瘘术(PEG)是20世纪80年代开始应用于临床的一种新的内镜介入技术,主要用于胃肠减压和肠内营养,在国外已广泛应用。此文就其方法、适应症、并发症及禁忌症等作一综述。     

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.     

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG): A critical appraisal

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) can quickly, reliably, and safely establish enteral feedings for a wide variety of indications. Morbidity associated with PEG is less than conventional surgical gastrostomy, and no mortality has been reported to date. PEG can be performed safely at the bedside, if needed. Moreover, there is no period of gastric atony, and feedings can be initiated after 1 day. PEG is contraindicated in patients with altered hemostasis or mechanical barriers to apposing the stomach to the anterior abdominal wall. Routine broad spectrum antibiotic prophylaxis may limit procedure-related cellulitis and pneumonia.     

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: dealing with the issue of dislodgement

Abstract

Introduction: Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) is accepted as an efficient method to provide long-term enteral nutrition. PEG accidental dislodgement (device exteriorization confirmed by expert evaluation) rate is high and can lead to major morbidity.

Objective: To identify independent risk factors for PEG accidental dislodgement.

Methods: Retrospective, single-center study, including consecutive patients submitted to PEG procedure, for 38 consecutive months. Every patient had 12?months minimum follow-up after PEG placement. Univariate analysis selected variables with at least marginal association (p?<?.15) with the outcome variable, PEG dislodgement, which were included in a logistic regression multivariate model. Discriminative power was assessed using area under curve (AUC) of the receiver operating curve (ROC).

Results: We included 164 patients, 67.7% (111) were female, mean age was 81?years. We report 59 (36%) PEG dislodgements, of which 13 (7.9%) corresponded to early dislodgements. The variables with marginal association were hypoalbuminemia (p?=?.095); living at home (p?=?.049); living in a nursing home (p?=?.074); cerebrovascular disease (CVD) (p?=?.028); weight change of more than 5?kg, either increase or decrease (p?=?.001); psychomotor agitation (p?<?.001); distance inner bumper-abdominal wall (p?=?.034) and irregular appointment follow-up (p?=?.149). At logistic multivariate regression, the significant variables after model adjustment were CVD OR 4.8 (CI 95% 2.0–11.8), weight change OR 4.7 (CI 95%1.6–13.9) and psychomotor agitation OR 18.5 (CI 95% 5.2–65.6), with excellent discriminative power (AUC ROC 0.797 [CI95% 0.719–0.875]).

Conclusion: PEG is a common procedure and accidental dislodgement is a frequent complication. CVD, psychomotor agitation and weight change >5?kg increase the risk of this complication and should be seriously considered when establishing patients’ individual care requirements.     

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.     

Risk factors and complications following percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy: a case series of 1041 patients

BACKGROUND:

Most studies exclude patients with severe coagulation disorders or those taking anticoagulants when evaluating the outcomes of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG).

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate complications and risk factors of PEG in a large clinical series including patients undergoing antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy.

METHODS:

During a six-year period, 1057 patients referred for PEG placement were prospectively audited for clinical outcome. Exclusion criteria and follow-up care were defined. Complications were defined as minor or severe. Uni- and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate 14 risk factors. No standardized antibiotic prophylaxis was given.

RESULTS:

A total of 1041 patients (66% male, 34% female) with the following conditions underwent PEG: neurogenic dysphagia (n=450), cancer (n=385) and others (n=206). No anticoagulants were administered to 351 patients, thrombosis prophylaxis was given to 348 while full therapeutic anticoagulation was received by 313. No increased bleeding risk was associated with patients who had above-normal international normalized ratio values (OR 0.79 [95% CI 0.08 to 7.64]; P=1.00). The total infection rate was 20.5% in patients with malignant disease, and 5.5% in those with nonmalignant disease. Severe complications occurred in 19 patients (bleeding 0.5%, peritonitis 1.3%). Cirrhosis (OR 2.91 [95% CI 1.31 to 6.54]; P=0.008), cancer (OR 2.34 [95% CI 1.33 to 4.12]; P=0.003) and radiation therapy (OR 2.34 [95% CI 1.35 to 4.05]; P=0.002) were significant predictors of post-PEG infection. The 30-day mortality rate was 5.8%. There were no procedure-related deaths.

CONCLUSIONS:

Cancer, cirrhosis and radiation therapy were predictors of infection. Post-PEG bleeding and other complications were rare events. Collectively, the data suggested that patients taking concurrent anticoagulants had no elevated risk of post-PEG bleeding.     

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.     

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.     

Long-term outcome after placement of a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube

Aim:   To evaluate long-term survival and prognostic factors in patients who have undergone placement of a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube.
Methods:   A retrospective analysis of all patients without malignancy who underwent percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy at Hanyu General Hospital during the period January 2001–December 2005.
Results:   A total of 198 patients (100 men, 98 women) were assessed. Median age was 78 years (range, 25–97 years). The primary diagnosis was a cerebrovascular disorder in 149 (75.3%) of the patients. Prior to placement, 120 (60.6%) had suffered pneumonia. Survival was 87.4% at 1 month, 67.8% at 3 months, 52.6% at 6 months, 38.1% at 1 year, 27.8% at 2 years and 22.3% at 3 years. Pneumonia was the most common cause of death during the follow-up period (91 of 140 patients, 65.0%). Cox's proportional hazards model showed independent predictors of mortality to be a low serum albumin concentration (≤2.9 g/dL) and history of pneumonia before the procedure.
Conclusions:   Mortality of patients who underwent percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy appears to be high. In particular, the long-term prognosis was poor for patients with hypoalbuminemia, and this procedure is probably not preferred for patients with recurrent aspiration pneumonia.     

The buried bumper syndrome: migration of internal bumper of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube into the abdominal wall

A percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube was inserted in a 59-year-old man who was undergoing craniotomy due to subarachnoid hemorrhage, because it was estimated that he could not have oral intake for a period of 4 weeks. Seventy days after the insertion, the percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube was replaced because of its accidental removal by the patient. Two months after the second insertion, the tube had to be replaced due to nonfunctioning. The buried bumper syndrome was diagnosed on physical examination, and was confirmed by endoscopy, with findings of mucosal dimpling and nonvisualization of the internal bumper. The tube was removed by external traction without any abdominal incision, and the same site was used for the insertion of a replacement tube over a guidewire. The patient remained symptom-free during 18 months of follow-up.Presented at the 11th World Congress of the International Association of Surgeons and Gastroenterologists, 1–4 November 2001, Heraklion, Crete, Greece