[Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy].

Abstract

The authors describe a technique of gastrostomy performed by gastroscopic endoscopy (percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy-P.E.G.) P.E.G. was indicated in patients who required gastrostomy feeding and had no contraindications for gastric endoscopy. P.E.G., was performed in 10 patients; 7 had suffered, cerebro-vascular accidents; 2 neoplasms (brain and breast); and 1 a brain trauma. One case was complicated by subcutaneous emphysema of the abdominal wall, with spontaneous cure in 72 hours. In our first patient the cotton guide thread broke, and required a new placement. We use routinely now monofilament nylon as guide thread, without ruptures. These were the only two complications of P.E.G. One patient acquired a replacement of damaged Pezzer catheter, which was easily accomplished. The medicate catheter is not available in our country; we have replaced it by an easily self-made device with good results. P.E.G. can be performed without difficulties in any endoscopy center.