What is a PEG?
A PEG tube is a small tube that goes into your stomach.
● Special food and drink (feed) go into the tube rather than your mouth. This allows you to get nutrition safely without swallowing
● A PEG can be hidden under your clothes
Why do I need a PEG?
Your illness has affected your swallow muscles. It is not safe for you to eat and/or drink at all, or you are not eating or drinking enough.
Food and drink may be going the wrong way towards your lungs.
You may cough, choke or get chest infections when eating and drinking.
You might have a tube up your nose to give you food and drink into your stomach.
This can be uncomfortable and should only stay in for a few weeks.
If your swallow doesn't improve, you may need a tube for a long time or permanently.
How is a PEG inserted?
You will need to have a small procedure to insert the PEG tube into your stomach.
You will have a thin tube with a light passed through your mouth and into your stomach.
The doctors will make a small cut into your stomach to pass the tube through your skin.
You will feel sleepy in the operation and should not feel much pain.
The procedure will take around 30 mins.
You may feel a bit sore and uncomfortable afterwards, but this should pass quickly.
You may have a feeding tube inserted because of one of the following:
- You are unable to swallow any food and fluids
- You are unable to swallow enough food or drink due to your swallowing problems
- You may need your oral intake supplemented as you are not taking in enough food/fluids
Risks of PEG
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Perforation
- Risks with sedation
- Failure of the procedure
- Chance of death 2 - 4%
- Malnutrition
Risks of not having a PEG
- You may be very thirsty or hungry
- Food and drink could go on to your lungs, causing serious chest infections
- You may get frequent chest infections, which may be severe and cause death
After my PEG
You and your family or carers will be shown how to look after your tube and take your feed by the ward nurses and dietitians.
Your speech and language therapist may continue to assess your swallow.
If your swallow improves enough, your PEG can be removed. The earliest time for this is 6 weeks after insertion to reduce complications.
Questions
If you have more questions or concerns, you can speak to your doctor, nurse, speech and language therapist or dietitian.
Contact Details
Salford Speech and Language Therapy Department
Community: 0161 206 2333
Community Stroke and Neuro Rehab: 0161 206 2352
Hospital: 0161 206 5450
Hospital Stroke Department: 0161 206 2142
Email: speech.therapy@nca.nhs.uk
Date of Review: April 2024
Date of Next Review: April 2026
Ref No: PI_M_1878 (Salford)