Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy

During this procedure, a flexible feeding tube is placed through the abdominal wall and into the stomach. PEG allows nutrition, fluids and medications to go directly into the stomach, bypassing the mouth and esophagus.

A PEG tube can last for months or years. But it can break down or become clogged over extended periods of time and might need to be replaced.

Your doctor can easily remove or replace a tube without sedatives or anesthesia, although your doctor might opt to use sedation and endoscopy in some cases.

Your doctor will remove the tube using firm traction and will either insert a new tube or let the opening close if no replacement is needed.

How it's performed

Your doctor will use an endoscope to guide the creation of a small opening through the skin of the upper abdomen into the stomach where he or she will place and secure a feeding tube.

You'll receive an intravenous sedative and local anesthesia, and an intravenous antibiotic prior to the procedure.

After the procedure

You usually can go home the day of the procedure or the next day.

Request a referral

Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center: 480-882-5740

Scottsdale Shea Medical Center: 480-882-7490

Scottsdale Thompson Peak Medical Center: 480-882-7510

Deer Valley Medical Center: 623-780-0100

John C. Lincoln Medical Center: 602-943-2381