PEG tubes are placed during the Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy procedure. PEG tubes are used for patients that do not get proper nutrition or require more ease when administering medications. In today’s blog, we will discuss the need for placement and replacement of PEG tubes.
Why PEG tubes are needed:
Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy is commonly abbreviated as PEG. This procedure is useful for patients that experience difficulty swallowing, appetite issues, or inability to receive adequate nutrition through the mouth.
The Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy tube is the passageway for food, liquids, or medications. The tube should guarantee that the food, liquids, and medications make it to the patient’s stomach. Otherwise, patients may not be capable of eating properly or taking medications.
Before the procedure:
Weeks leading up to the procedure, you will meet with your physician. They will review your history with you to discuss many important factors. Bring up any questions you have regarding the procedure and post procedure care.
You should discuss any special conditions you have. If you are allergic to any medications, have the nurse or doctor take note of them. For patients with diabetes, the insulin dosage may need to be adjusted for the day of the procedure.
Primary care doctors usually help with the adjustment of insulin dosages. Likewise, if you take blood thinners, your primary care physician may use an alternate method for thinning your blood. You may also be instructed to skip aspirin a week before the procedure.
Be sure to follow instructions only given by your doctor. Do not take it upon yourself to change or skip any medications. Your treatment plan is personalized to your specific health needs.
Your doctor may require you to not eat or drink for eight hours before the procedure. Side effects and care for the PEG tube should be discussed in depth.
How the procedure is performed:
PEG is a necessary procedure for any patients with issues previously mentioned. An antibiotic is given to patients by vein before the procedure. Most commonly, patients receive a sedative through IV and local anesthesia where the PEG tube is being placed.
The doctor will use a lighted flexible tube called an endoscope. The endoscope is about half of an inch thick in diameter. The endoscope will go into the patient’s mouth, down the esophagus, and secure the PEG tube, also known as feeding tube, in the correct place.
Once the PEG tube is in the right place, it rests in the stomach and comes out through the skin of the abdomen. The internal bumper is found in the stomach. Whereas the adapter comes out through the abdomen. Depending on the physician, a Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy procedure should only last thirty to forty-five minutes.
After the procedure:
Once the procedure is complete, someone must drive the patient home. Patients should not drive or operate machinery for at least twenty-four hours following the procedure. For aftercare, your doctor may require you to stay within a thirty minute radius from where the procedure is performed.
If not, you may have an overnight stay at the hospital or clinic to be closely observed. PEG tubes are usually taped to patients’ abdomens in order to keep them in place and avoid tugging. For up to forty-eight hours following the procedure, there may be drainage around the feeding tube.
The dressing around the tube will need to be changed often. Thereafter, patients or caregivers should be capable of giving the patient’s body proper nutrition. For most cases, medications may be given more easily and ensure the entire dosages.
Some people only have feeding (PEG) tubes temporarily while battling an illness. In other cases, feeding tubes may need to stay permanently. A dietician should assist patients on care and how to use the PEG tube.
The dietician will help patients pick the right formula for the feeding tube. You should be prescribed pain medications for the soreness. It may feel like you have a pulled muscle in your abdomen.
PEG tube Replacement:
For most PEG tubes, they should not need replacement for at least several months. Best case scenario, you will keep your PEG tube for up to three years. If you have complications with your PEG tube after the procedure, contact your healthcare provider.
Thank you for stopping by and reading this week’s blog. Inquire today for an appointment with Gastroenterology Consultants of Central Florida. Stay safe during Hurricane Florence!
Staff Writer