Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy--results of an Irish single unit series.

The technique of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) was first described in 1980, as an alternative to traditional surgical methods. The main indication for PEG is the need for longterm nutritional support. It is reported to have many advantages over surgical gastrostomy, being safer and cheaper. We reviewed our experience with the first 44 patients referred to our unit for PEG. The most common indications for referral were stroke, head injury and post brain surgery. There was a success rate of 97.6% and a complication rate of 13.8%. One patient (2.3%) suffered major complications as a result of early tube displacement. There were no procedure related deaths in our series and no deaths as a result of an underlying disease process within 30 days, reflecting appropriate patient selection. All patients benefited nutritionally from PEG placement. Two patients recovered sufficiently to no longer require a gastrostomy and the tube was easily removed in both cases.