Peg (Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy) Tube Insertion
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 5, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
What you need to know about PEG tube insertion:
PEG insertion is a procedure to place a soft, plastic feeding tube into your stomach. You may get nutrition or medicine through the tube.
How to prepare for the PEG tube insertion:
- Your healthcare provider will talk to you about how to prepare for the procedure. You may be told not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of your procedure. Arrange to have someone drive you home when you are discharged.
- Tell your provider about all the medicines you currently take. Your provider will tell you if you need to stop any medicine for the procedure, and when to stop. Your provider will tell you which medicines to take or not take on the day of your procedure.
- Tell your provider about any allergies you have, including to anesthesia or medicines. You may be given an antibiotic to help prevent a bacterial infection.
- Your provider will tell you if you need any tests before your procedure, and when to have them.
What will happen during the PEG tube insertion:
- You may be given medicine in your IV to help keep you relaxed and calm. You may also be given local anesthesia to numb the procedure area. With local anesthesia, you may still feel pressure or pushing, but you should not feel any pain.
- Your provider will guide an endoscope into your stomach. An endoscope is a bendable tube with a light on the end. The endoscope may be inserted through your mouth or rectum. Air may be injected into your stomach so your provider can see the area clearly.
- Your provider will make a small incision in your abdomen. Your provider will place the PEG tube through the incision and connect it to your stomach. Your provider may place a bandage on the incision site.
What to expect after the PEG tube insertion:
The PEG tube will be taped to your abdomen to prevent pulling. A bandage will keep it clean and help prevent infection. You may see drainage for a couple days after the procedure. The incision area where the tube is inserted may be sore or tender. This should get better in a couple days.
Risks of PEG tube insertion:
- The endoscope may cause damage or bleeding. Liquid from your stomach may get into your lungs and cause an infection. You may have bruising or develop an infection at the incision site. Your PEG tube may become blocked. The tube may break, crack, or leak. Your stomach may not empty into your intestines correctly.
- The PEG tube may move out of place or come out of your incision. You may have stomach leakage around the tube insertion site. A fistula (abnormal tissue opening) may form between your skin and stomach or intestines. Your stoma (the hole where the tube was put in) may become infected. The infection may spread to other areas of your body and become life-threatening.
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) for any of the following:
- You have sudden trouble breathing.
Seek care immediately if:
- You have severe abdominal pain.
- Your feeding tube comes out.
- You have diarrhea leaking around your tube.
- Your abdomen becomes tight, hard, sore, or swollen.
Call your doctor or gastroenterologist if:
- You have abdominal pain or cramping.
- Your bowel movements look like the liquid food you use.
- You have a fever.
- The skin around your tube is red, warm, and swollen.
- Your tube is clogged or damaged.
- You have nausea or are vomiting, or you cannot have a bowel movement.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
You may need the following:
- Medicines can help decrease how much acid your stomach makes.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Self-care:
- Change the bandage as directed. The PEG tube site may take up to 4 weeks to heal. While the site heals, turn the PEG tube to prevent tissue from growing over it.
- Prevent an infection. Always wash your hands before you care for the area around your PEG tube. Use soap and water. Dry your hands with a clean towel or a paper towel. Anyone caring for your PEG tube should wash his or her hands first.
- Arrange your feeding schedule. Time your feedings to make sure you get enough sleep. Tell your healthcare provider if the PEG tube makes it hard for you to sleep.
- Carry pads or absorbent cloths with you in case your PEG tube leaks. You may also want to bring a change of clothing.
Follow up with your doctor or gastroenterologist as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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