PEG (Feeding Tube Placement)

A short guide for patients at Valley Gastroenterology

What is it?

Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) places a soft feeding tube through the abdominal wall into the stomach using endoscopy. It allows long‑term nutrition, hydration, and medications when safe swallowing is not possible.

Why it’s done

  • Stroke or neurologic disease with high aspiration risk
  • Head & neck or esophageal conditions limiting swallowing
  • Severe malnutrition during cancer therapy or chronic illness
  • Temporary support while recovering from illness or surgery

Your care team confirms goals and timing before scheduling.

How to prepare

  • Fasting: Nothing to eat or drink after midnight unless we instruct otherwise.
  • Medications: Tell us about blood thinners, antiplatelets, diabetes meds, and GLP‑1s—do not stop without our plan. Bring a full medication list.
  • Driver required after sedation.
  • If you use oxygen, CPAP, or trach, bring details/equipment if applicable.

What to expect (day of)

  1. Check‑in & nursing assessment (15–30 min)
  1. Sedation for comfort
  1. Endoscopy to select the site, local anesthesia, small skin incision, and tube placement
  1. Procedure 20–40 minutes; recovery 45–60 minutes with a written care plan

A small external bumper keeps the tube secure. Mild abdominal soreness is common for 24–48 hours.

After you go home (first 1–2 weeks)

  • Site care: Keep dressing clean/dry for 24 hours, then daily gentle soap & water; pat dry. Rotate the tube ¼ turn daily to prevent skin irritation (unless told otherwise).
  • Activity: Avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for 1 week.
  • Bathing: Shower after 24 hours; avoid soaking (bath/hot tub) for 2 weeks.
  • Feeding: Start per our order (often within 4–24 hours). Flush with 30–60 mL water before/after feeds and meds to prevent clogging.
  • Medications: Crush tablets finely or use liquids when possible; flush well between meds.

Common issues & when to call

  • Redness/drainage/odor, fever >101°F, or worsening pain
  • Leakage around the tube that soaks dressings despite routine care
  • Clogged tube: Try warm water flushes; if not relieved, call us
  • Tube falls out or moves: Cover the site and call us immediately—the opening can close quickly
  • New or severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, black/tarry stools, or breathing trouble

Risks (uncommon but important)

Bleeding, infection at the skin site, aspiration, reaction to sedation, internal bleeding or peritonitis, injury to nearby organs, buried‑bumper syndrome (rare), tube dislodgement, and need for replacement.

Long‑term care tips

  • Keep the external bumper snug but not tight (about 5–10 mm from the skin) to prevent pressure injury
  • Flush daily even if not using the tube for feeds
  • Replace dressings if wet/soiled; protect skin with barrier cream if needed
  • Bring supplies to follow‑ups; we’ll teach you tube measurement and troubleshooting

Alaska‑specific travel note

We monitor Mat‑Su weather and road conditions. If travel is unsafe, we’ll reschedule without penalty and prioritize your next available slot.

Scheduling & contact:

Valley Gastroenterology

3190 E Meridian Park Loop, Suite 206

Wasilla, Alaska 99654

Phone: (907) 373-2544

Fax: (844) 689-4240

Web: ValleyGastroAK.com