The Use of Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) in 161 Consecutive Elderly Patients

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Over the period 1 April 1990 to 31 December 1992, a total of 179 PEG procedures were performed on 161 elderly patients, mean age 79 years (range 53–99). In most (141) patients, the indication was neurological dysphagia (usually stroke), but in 20 the tube was inserted to attain adequate nutritional support. Thirty-day fatality was 20% overall, but in those who underwent PEG only for nutritional support, survival was poor—only 20% at 30 days. Almost all deaths were a result of progression of the original illness. Only one procedure-related death occurred. Fifty-six complicating episodes occurred in 20 (12%) patients, the majority being minor. The commonest adverse event was PEG site infection. PEG is a useful and in general well tolerated procedure in geriatric practice, but careful patient selection is essential; in particular its use as a nutritional adjunct in frail patients needs careful evaluation.

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: