What is PEG Tube Placement?

PEG is the acronym for Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastronomy. PEG tube placement refers to the technique of putting a tiny, flexible tube inside the stomach through the skin for feeding purposes. An endoscope is a small camera with a light on a flexible tube. Doctors can use it to perform PEG tube placement. Once the procedure is done, the patient can get nutrition directly into their stomach.

Why Might You Need A PEG Tube?

PEG tube placement is done on patients who cannot eat or get enough nutrition through the mouth. This might include people with the following ailments:

  • Cerebral palsy
  • Dysphagia – Difficulty swallowing.
  • Cancer
  • Stroke
  • Recent stomach surgery
Why Might You Need A PEG Tube?

How Can You Prepare for A PEG Tube Placement?

Before the operation, you will meet your doctor to discuss the expectations. If you have any medication allergies or bleeding risks, you must share the information at this point. Before the surgery, you should not ingest anything.

Also, plan to have a person that you trust to take you home after the operation. You may have some medication and diet restrictions the week before surgery.

What Happens During the Procedure?

On the day of the operation, you will get intravenous antibiotics and anesthesia. A local anesthetic might also be administered on the area of the incision. During the procedure, a provider will:

  • Get an endoscope into your stomach by passing it through the mouth.
  • Suction fluids from your stomach using an endoscope.
  • Sterilize the area of the incision, then use local anesthesia.
  • Make a tiny incision in the upper abdominal area.
  • Push a tube into the cut.
  • Connect the tube to your stomach and suture it in place.

The surgery takes roughly 20-30 minutes, and you can return home once it is finished. You might also stay at the hospital overnight for observation.

How Do You Care For A PEG Tube?

After the procedure, a dressing will be used on the PEG site and removed after two days. You can keep the site clean once a day by washing it with water and mild soap. Dry the area properly after cleaning.

What Should You Expect for Recovery After Flexible Sigmoidoscopy?

Idaho Digestive Health Institute Specializes in PEG Tube Placement

To get this procedure done by professionals, visit the Idaho Digestive Health Institute to see Dr. Woolf. He is a gastroenterologist who specializes in gastroenterology procedures such as EGD, colonoscopy, and ERCP. Working with a trained and experienced professional is the best way to ensure that your surgery is successful. Contact us to schedule a PEG tube placement consultation.

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