Utility of Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy for Nutritional Supportin Patients with Oropharyngeal Dysphagia

Abstract

Background & Objectives: Maintenance of nutrition status of a patient is of paramount importance to
clinicians treating medical or surgical diseases. Enteral nutrition is preferred over parental nutrition in
patients who are unable to swallow. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is the preferred route
of nutritional support in patients with a functional gastrointestinal system who require long-term enteral
nutrition and are unable to maintain oral intake. PEG offers superior access to the gastrointestinal system
over surgical methods.
We aim to see utility of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) for nutritional support in patients
with oropharyngeal dysphagia secondary to neurological deficits and its effect on the quality of life of these
patients.
Methodology: we studied retrospectively 25 patients with neurological oropharyngeal dysphagia in last 2
years needing PEG insertion. We reviewed data of the patients for 3 months post insertion of PEG. Study
was based on body weight, haemoglobin and serum albumin level prior to and after PEG. All complications
including sepsis, perforation, hemorrhage and death were recorded.
Results: Our study showed significant improvement in levels of hemoglobin, albumin and weight gain after
Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy. There were no major complication.
Conclusion: Percutaneous EndoscopicGastrostomy is an easy procedure that can be done bedside without
complications in patients with neurological deficit. It improves nutritional status of the patient and also
prevents aspiration pneumonia in patients with good gastric motility.