Insertion of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tubes by a maxillofacial surgical team in patients with oropharyngeal cancer.

This study assessed the clinical outcome after insertion of a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube (PEGT) by a maxillofacial team in a series of 54 patients. The indication for PEG feeding was any patient with oropharyngeal cancer who was unlikely to return to oral feeding within 14 days. Fifty-two patients (96%) had tubes successfully inserted at the time of examination under anaesthesia (n = 19) or definitive operation (n = 33). Feeding was established at a median of 2 days (range 1-6). Median duration of tube feeding was 18 weeks (range 4-70). There were no deaths or major complications and 10 minor complications. No tube was lost or required premature removal. We conclude that insertion of a PEG tube is a procedure that can be done safely by maxillofacial surgeons.