Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in pediatric patients

Abstract

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is the method of choice for gastrostomy placement in children. However, variable incidence rates of complications have been reported.

Objective: To report our experience with PEG tube insertion using the traction technique in pediatric patients in the gastroenterology department of a tertiary care hospital in Colombia.

Patients and Method: Retrospective study of PEGs performed in a group of pediatric patients, aged 1 to 17 years, between August 2015 and January 2024. Demographic characteristics, final condition at the time of hospitalization, and associated complications were recorded.

Results: A total of 56 PEG tubes were placed in patients; 69.6% were male. A pre-existing medical condition was confirmed in 83.1% of the patients. Moderate to severe neurological sequelae and secondary swallowing disorders that prevented oral intake were the main reasons for PEG placement (42%), followed by congenital diseases (25%). Five patients in the study group (8.9%) experienced late complications, requiring replacement of the gastrostomy tube due to deterioration of the feeding equipment and the placement of a transgastric-jejunal feeding tube. There were no deaths related to the procedure.

Conclusions: PEG in pediatric patients is a safe way to establish an enteral route, even in critically ill patients, demonstrating a low frequency of complications and with no associated mortality.