Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) is an endoscopic medical procedure used when oral food intake is inadequate. PEG administration of enteral feeds is the most common method of nutritional support for patients in the community.
PEG stands for Percutaneous (through the skin) Endoscopic (using anendoscopic instrument) Gastrostomy (to the stomach). The doctor creates a hole in the abdominal wall to allow a feeding tube to be inserted directly into the stomach.
It is a simple and safe way of receiving food when there are problems with swallowing or eating, and is an alternative to surgical gastrostomy insertion.
A PEG can be temporary or permanent and is used in both adults and children.