Percutaneous Gastrostomy Feeding Tube Placement

Also known as: percutaneous feeding tube placement, PEG tube placement.

What is percutaneous gastrostomy feeding tube placement?

Percutaneous gastrostomy feeding tube placement is a procedure used to place a tube into the stomach. The tube connects the abdominal wall to the stomach. It’s used for children who are having trouble with feedings.

What happens during the procedure?

• After being given medication for relaxation, and while the patient is sleeping, the stomach is inflated with air, typically using an endoscope through the mouth into the stomach
• After this, a needle is used to pierce a hole through the abdomen and into the stomach. This procedure is guided by X-ray or through a surgical procedure.
• Then the tube is guided down through the mouth and into the stomach, where it is passed through the hole in the abdomen. It is then secured to the abdominal wall.

Is any special preparation needed?

The patient must avoid food, drink or certain medications before the procedure.

What are the risk factors?

Bleeding, infection or damage to the stomach or surrounding structures are all possible risks of percutaneous gastrostomy feeding tube placement.

Reviewed by: Carrie Firestone Baum, MD

This page was last updated on: April 28, 2021 03:41 PM

Gastrostomy Tube Care

This video will teach you how to properly care for a gastrostomy tube. The video will review how to clean a gastrostomy tube site, how to give a feedings and what to do if the tube becomes dislodged.