Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy: Experience in a secondary level hospital

Background and Aims: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is the safest approach to enteral feeding in patients with an intact gastrointestinal system that cannot be fed orally. In this study, we assessed percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy indications, complications, and follow-up data in our secondary level hospital. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study with patients that had a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube placed between September 2016 and October 2017 in the endoscopic unit at Bitlis State Hospital. Results: Twenty-six patients were included in the study. Patients mean age was 64,23 years (18-101). Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy was performed in 11 (42.3%) patients due to cerebrovascular disease, in 5 (19,23%) patients due to dementia, in 3 (11,53%) patients due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, in 1 (%3,84) patient due to neuro-Beh？et's disease, in 1 (3,84%) patient due to hydrocephalus, in 1(3,84%) patient due to acromegaly, in 1 (%3,84) patient due to electricity burn, in 1 (3,84%) patient due to Erb-Duchenne Muscular dystrophy, in 1 (%3,84) patient due to cerebral palsy, and in 1(3,84%) patient due to epidural hemorrhage. The mean follow-up period was 137.65 (4-388) days and 3 (11.53%) patients had complications: tube ejection, free air in the abdomen, and upper gastrointestinal bleeding. No post-procedural mortality was observed, at 1-month mortality rate was 3.8%, and the 3-month mortality rate was 26.9%. Conclusion: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is the safest type of gastrostomy for enteral feeding. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy can be performed safely in secondary level hospitals