font size

Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (cont.)

Medical Author:
Medical Editor:

How is percutaneous endoscopic gastronomy done?

Local anesthesia (usually lidocaine or another spray) is used to anesthetize the throat. An endoscope (a flexible tube with a camera and a light on the end) is passed through the mouth, throat and esophagus into the stomach. The physician then makes a small incision (cut) in the skin of the abdomen over the stomach and pushes a needle through the skin and into the stomach. The tube for feeding then is pushed through the needle and into the stomach. The tube then is sutured (tied) in place to the skin.

When can the percutaneous endoscopic gastronomy patient go home?

The patient usually can go home the same day or the next morning.

What are the possible complications with percutaneous endoscopic gastronomy?

Possible complications include infection of the puncture site (as in any kind of surgery,) dislodgement of the tube with leakage of the liquid diet that is fed through the tube into the abdomen, and clogging of the tube.

What are the advantages of percutaneous endoscopic gastronomy?

Percutaneous endoscopic gastronomy takes less time, carries less risk and costs less than a surgical gastrostomy which requires opening the abdomen. Percutaneous endoscopic gastronomy is a commonly-performed so there are many physicians with experience in performing the procedure. When feasible, percutaneous endoscopic gastronomy is preferable to a surgical gastrostomy.


Source: MedicineNet.com
http://www.medicinenet.com/percutaneous_endoscopic_gastrostomy/article.htm

GI Disorders

Get the latest treatment options.

Please acknowledge your agreement
advertisement
advertisement
Use Pill Finder Find it Now

Pill Identifier on RxList

  • quick, easy,
    pill identification

Find a Local Pharmacy

  • including 24 hour, pharmacies
Search the Medical Dictionary for Health Definitions & Medical Abbreviations