Percutaneous endoscopic gastroscopy (PEG)

Need to know

• What happens during the PEG procedure? icon plus

  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.

• How to prepare icon plus

  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.

• After the PEG has been inserted icon plus

  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.