PEG feeding tube placement and aftercare

Haywood S (2012) PEG feeding tube placement and aftercare. Nursing Times; 108: 42, 20-22.

Some adults and children are unable to swallow or eat and drink enough. Insertion of a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube may enable long-term feeding, fluid and/or medication administration. The procedure involves gastroscopy under sedation to identify tube placement site, place the tube and check it has been placed correctly. Serious complications include peritonitis and perforation of the colon. Frequent observations immediately after placement are essential. With good nursing care, complications can be avoided or dealt with promptly.

Care must be taken when deciding to use, siting and managing percutaneous endoscopic gastronomy tubes to avoid errors or complications that could prove fatal

In this article…

• > Why patients must be carefully selected for tube insertion

• > Observations to be done after insertion

• > The nurse's role in preventing serious complications