Peg is short for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG), a PEG is a feeding tube which passes through the abdominal wall directly into the stomach, so that nutrition can be provided without swallowing, or in some cases to supplement ordinary food. The PEG tube can be connected to a "giving set" to provide feeds continuously or a syringe can be use to receive feeds at intervals.
PEGs are used in people of all ages, including babies and children, who are unable to swallow or unable to eat enough and need long term artificial feeding. Common causes include stroke (CVA), brain injuries, neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis or motor neurone disease, or surgery to the head or neck. In some cases PEGs are used to give extra nutrition (or supplements) to people who can still eat but not drink or who require a temporary boost up of their nutritional intake or who can swallow but are cognitively impaired.
The PEG is inserted in a number of ways but the simplest involves an examination of the stomach with an endoscope. A PEG feeding tube is then passed into the stomach through a small opening on the wall of the abdomen. Attached to the tube there is a small plastic disc which lies close to the skin to prevent movement of the tube and a small clamp or plastic cap which keep the tube closed when feeding is not taking place. The procedure requires a minor operation and is usually done after a sedative injection although some people will require a short general anaesthetic. For a few hours after the procedure the person feels drowsy and may have a sore throat where the endoscope has been passed. Feeding via the tube, is usually started within about 12 hours of the PEG insertion.
For the first few days after insertion the tube entry site may be covered with a dressing but this is usually not necessary. Also, when the skin has healed one can shower, bathe or go swimming as long as the tube is firmly clamped or the end of the tube fully closed. The PEG tube should not interfere withl activities and when clamped and not in use it can be hidden discreetly beneath normal clothes.
Mouth hygeine is essential even if the person is unable to eat. This may be helped by using a mouth wash or swabs moistened with water.
Several PEG tubes are available. Some are designed to last for a few months, while others may function for one or two years or even longer. If the tube wears out and PEG feeding needs to be continued the tube can be easily replaced. If however, the swallowing condition improves and PEG feeding is no longer required the PEG tube can be removed by the hospital.
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