Complications of Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) in Children

Chang, Soo Hee; Kim, Dae Yeon; Kim, Seong Chul; Kim, In Koo; Kim, Kyung Mo

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to identify potential dangers involved in procedure and evaluate complications of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) comparing to surgical gastrostomy (SG).
METHODS
A retrospective study of 66 children with feeding gastrostomy between 1994 and 2002 was done.
RESULTS
Of 66 children, 23 (mean age 29 months) had PEG and 43 (mean age 49 months) had SG. 31 cases of SG group had fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease. PEG groups were followed up with an average 13 months and SG groups with 21 months. Major complications occurred in 33% of PEG group (8/23) and 55% of SG group (24/43). Major complications were significantly lower in PEG group than SG group and minor complications, too (p<0.05). Of major complications, aspiration pneumonia was the most common but paralytic ileus was significantly higher in SG group than PEG group. 8 patients died of underlying disease but not related to gastrostomy. Removals of stomata were done in 5 of PEG group and 3 of SG group. GER recurred in 25% of SG group with fundoplication and newly developed in 17% of SG group. GER persisted in 17% and newly developed in 5% of PEG group.
CONCLUSION
The gastrostomy was a significant procedure with the potential to produce complications. PEG is recommended as an initial procedure in children requiring a feeding gastrostomy but should be considered a major undertaking.