Abstract

Background
/Aims: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a simple, safe and rapid method for the placement of a feeding gastrostomy tube and it is a well- established mean of providing enteral nutrition. Although it is frequently used in adults, there is limited experience for this procedure in children. Methods: Twenty five procedures of PEG in 23 patients were performed in four institutions located in Youngnam province. We retrospectively reviewed our experiences of PEG. Results: Fourteen males and nine females were included and their mean age was 5.7⁑4.1 years. The patients aged 1 to 6 years accounted for about a half the subjects. The underlying diseases of the patients were CNS disorders in all except one who was suffering with a neuromuscular disorder. The main reason for PEG was swallowing difficulty and the associated complications of the patients. Nasogastric tube feeding was the most common method of nutritional support before the procedures. The most common complication of PEG placement was wound infection. The patients' nutritional status after PEG placement was satisfactorily improved. The indwelling time of PEG tube was over 6 months in 2 of 3 patients and the tube was switched for a new one after a year. Removal of the tubes by using percutaneous traction was done in 2 of 3 patients. Conclusions: The PEG is a safe, easy to perform, and reliable technique to support enteral nutrition in children. (Korean J Gastrointest Endosc 2005;31:291⁣296)

• Keywords: Gastrostomy, Endoscopy, Percutaneous, Children