A percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a surgery to place a feeding tube. Feeding tubes, or PEG tubes, allow you to receive nutrition through your stomach.
You may need a PEG tube if you have difficulty swallowing or can't get all the nutrition you need by mouth.
This endoscopic procedure a long, flexible instrument called an endoscope to make small incisions.
During percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, your endoscopist will make a small incision in your upper abdomen, then place the tube through the incision, and connect the tube to your stomach.
You’ll be given intravenous (IV) anaesthesia and antibiotics. The anaesthesia ensures that you remain calm and numb during the procedure. The antibiotic prevents infection.
If you need a new PEG tube, your provider can easily replace the tube without invasive surgery or anaesthesia.
If you don’t need the tube anymore, your provider may remove the tube. The opening in your stomach closes on its own.