Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Specialist

What is a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG)?

A PEG is a procedure where your Advanced GI LLC gastroenterologist installs a feeding tube in your stomach. With this tube in place, you can take in nutrition or medication while bypassing your mouth, throat, and esophagus. 

When would I need a PEG?

There are a few reasons your gastroenterologist might recommend a PEG procedure.

Dysphagia 

Dysphagia means swallowing difficulties that interfere with getting the nutrition and medication you need. 

Pulmonary aspiration

If you've recently suffered a stroke or have any condition that causes muscle weakening, you could be at risk for pulmonary aspiration, in which food moves up into your lungs instead of your stomach. 

Chronic disease

In some chronic diseases, such as cystic fibrosis or kidney failure, you might not be physically capable of eating the right quantity or quality of food.  

PEG can potentially be a good solution for these and other issues. You need healthy and fully functional bowels to have a PEG procedure, as the waste elimination processes won't change.

How does a PEG procedure work?

While you're comfortably under local anesthesia and sedation, your Advanced GI LLC gastroenterologist places a long bendable tube, an endoscope, down your throat, through your esophagus, and down to your stomach. 

The endoscope has a tiny camera that your doctor uses to find the ideal placement for your feeding tube. Your doctor places the tube, which sits within your stomach and exits through your abdominal skin. 

In the future, you'll take nutrition and medication directly through this tube. In total, the PEG procedure takes around 30 minutes or less. 

When can I use my feeding tube after PEG?

Your care providers demonstrate feeding tube use after your procedure. You could potentially start using your new feeding tube as soon as four hours post-procedure, based on your doctor's recommendations.  

You'll have a dressing over your feeding tube, but you can permanently remove it in 24-48 hours with your doctor's permission. Clean the skin around your feeding tube daily, and report any problems like pain, leakage, tube movement to your gastroenterologist immediately. 

If you need a PEG, you also need a top-notch gastroenterologist to install it safely. You can rely upon the Advanced GI LLC team for compassionate care using the most advanced minimally invasive technology. Call the office or schedule an appointment online.