How to Prepare | What to Expect On Arrival | What to Expect After | For More Information
Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement involves the insertion of a feeding tube through the abdominal wall into the stomach during an upper endoscopy. A small incision is made on the left side of the abdomen, and then a small, flexible, hollow tube (catheter) with a balloon or flared tip is inserted through the stomach. PEG tube placement is also known as gastrostomy tube insertion, g-tube insertion, stomach tube insertion and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube insertion.
Gastrostomy tubes may be needed temporarily or permanently. Your physician may recommended PEG tube placement for:
- Birth defects of the mouth, esophagus or stomach (esophageal atresia or tracheoesophageal fistula).
- Patients who cannot swallow correctly.
- Malnourished patients who cannot take enough food by mouth to maintain their nutrition.
- Patients who continually aspirate when eating.
How to Prepare for PEG Tube Placement
- No food or liquids (this includes water) minimally 6 hours prior to the procedure.
- You may also have diet and/or medication restrictions the week prior to the exam. Please refer to your physician for detailed instructions.
- Plan to have someone you know drive you home. Since the procedure is usually performed with intravenous sedation, you will be instructed to not drive a car or return to work until the next day.
- Contact the physician and inform him or her of any special needs, medical conditions, latex allergy or current medications you are taking.
- The GI Lab staff will attempt to contact you the evening before your procedure to answer any questions you may have.
What to Expect Once You Arrive for PEG Tube Placement
- You may be expected to arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled exam time.
- You may have an intravenous line placed, since the procedure is usually performed with intravenous sedation.
- You will be asked if there is a responsible person to drive you home after the exam.
- The procedure usually takes about 20-30 minutes.
- During the exam, there is often a feeling of pressure in the abdominal area.
- Your physician may give you medication to help you relax and better tolerate the exam.
- During the procedure the physician may take biopsies (small tissue samples).
What to Expect After PEG Tube Placement
- After the procedure is completed you will recover for about 30-45 minutes.
- You may experience a sore throat after the procedure.
- Once you have met the discharge criteria, the physician will discuss with you the preliminary findings.
- Diet and/or medication restrictions may be given to certain patients depending on the findings of the exam.
- The stomach and abdomen will heal in 5 to 7 days. Moderate pain can be managed with medications.
- Arrangements will be made to teach you how to care for the tube and administer feedings, and for equipment and supplies to be delivered to you.
For More Information
PEG tube placement is available at all of our GI lab locations. For more information on PEG tube placement or to schedule an appointment with one of our gastroenterologists, please call 888.364.6400.
NorthShore offers interpretive language services for non-English speaking patients. A request for this no-cost service should be made at the time of appointment scheduling.