Percutaneous endoscopic gastroscopy (PEG)

A procedure to insert a tube through your abdomen into your stomach to feed you the nutrients and fluids you need.

Enquiries & Appointments

Endoscopy at The Princess Grace Hospital

What is a PEG?

A PEG is a way of introducing food, fluids and medicines directly into your stomach by passing a thin tube through the skin in your abdomen. The PEG tube bypasses your throat and food pipe (oesophagus) and can therefore be used if you have difficulty swallowing or risk food going 'the wrong way' into your lungs.

Need to know

Having your procedure with us

Once you are under sedation, the endoscope (a thin black tube with a camera on the end) is passed over the back of your tongue and into your stomach. Your consultant will use this camera to guide them whilst they insert the PEG tube.

Your consultant will use a local anaesthetic to numb the area where the PEG tube is to be placed before making a small incision in your abdominal wall. They will then place the tube into your stomach via the abdominal wall. The procedure usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes in the endoscopy suite or theatre, and you will stay with us as an inpatient.

Your consultant will let you know the full details of how best to prepare for your procedure. Usually with a PEG procedure you will not be allowed to eat for six hours before the procedure, although you can drink water and some other fluids up to two hours before.

Initially the tube might feel uncomfortable or cause pain around the site where it was inserted. This generally settles after 24 hours but might persist for up to a week. Painkillers will be administered during this time should you need them.

Food can usually be inserted from about four hours after the procedure. Over the next few days you will be shown how to care for your PEG tube by your nurse. You may be discharged three days after the procedure, depending on the rate of your recovery.

Our PEG insertion consultants

Dr Philip Woodland

Dr Philip Woodland

Gastroenterology

Dr Voi Shim Wong

Dr Voi Shim Wong

Gastroenterology

Dr Jonathan Hoare

Dr Jonathan Hoare

Gastroenterology

Dr. Anet Soubieres

Dr. Anet Soubieres

Gastroenterology

Our PEG insertion locations

41 Welbeck Street

41 Welbeck Street

41 Welbeck Street W1G 8EA London
The Princess Grace Hospital

The Princess Grace Hospital

42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
London Bridge Hospital

London Bridge Hospital

27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London

This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.