Description

We present the first published experience of Percutaneous
Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) by an otorhinolaryngologist in
the United Kingdom. In a series of 65 patients, we demonstrate
that PEG can be safely performed by an otorhinolaryngology
head & neck surgical team; with successful insertion and
complication rates (major/minor) comparable to other published
PEG series from the gastroenterology and head & neck
literature (94% and 6%/9% respectively).

In our series, 69.8% of patients…. of patients had PEG
in addition to other related procedures, such as tumour resection.
Combining PEG with other procedures under a single general
anaesthetic may confer a number of benefits compared to PEG
under sedation; including better airway protection, greater
patient procedure acceptability and a shortened treatment
pathway. There are also advantages in health economic terms as
only one hospital admission is required.
We advocate formal training before performing PEG, close
cooperation with local endoscopy services/gastroenterology colleagues,
and participation in regular multidisciplinary audit.