Since 2020, aggregated from related topics
Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a minimally invasive procedure used to provide nutrition to patients who are unable to eat or swallow food orally. It involves inserting a feeding tube directly into the stomach through the abdominal wall, using an endoscope to guide the placement of the tube. PEG is commonly performed in patients with conditions such as severe dysphagia, neurological disorders, head and neck cancers, and other medical conditions that prevent normal eating and swallowing. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia and can be done on an outpatient basis. PEG tubes allow for the delivery of liquid nutrition, medications, and fluids directly into the stomach, bypassing the need for oral consumption. They are considered a safe and effective way to maintain adequate nutrition in patients who are unable to eat normally. Research in the field of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy focuses on improving the technique and outcomes of the procedure, assessing the long-term benefits and risks of PEG tube feeding, and exploring new advances in feeding tube technology. Studies also investigate the impact of PEG on patient quality of life, nutritional status, and overall health outcomes.