Peg (Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy) Tube Insertion
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
What do I 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 do I prepare for 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 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 can I expect after 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.
What are the 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.
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