PEG Tube Placement

You will be sedated and anesthetized before the procedure. During a PEG tube placement, an endoscope—a flexible tube with a camera and light—is inserted through your mouth and into your stomach. This allows your doctor to watch the procedure on a monitor. A small surgical incision is made into your abdomen and a needle is pushed into your stomach. Then, the tube is pushed through the needle and into your stomach, too. The tube is sutured in place, and your wound is dressed.

A procedure that involves a smaller incision and a less-invasive technique, shortening recovery time.

You might be a good candidate for a PEG tube placement if you have trouble swallowing or if you can’t eat or drink enough to meet your nutritional needs.

While uncommon, possible side effects and complications of PEG tube placement include aspiration; infection; leaking of stomach contents around the tube; bleeding from the site of the incision; and dislodging of the tube.

Alternatives to a PEG tube placement include using nasogastric intubation (NG intubation) when a thin plastic tube is inserted through your nostril, down your esophagus, and into your stomach. Once that tube is placed, food and medicine can be supplied through it.

A PEG tube placement allows you to receive nutrition, fluids, and medication through your stomach.

You don’t need a referral to see a surgeon about a PEG tube placement.

You can always get a second or third opinion, but it isn’t required.

Your health history will be compiled and available to the team before, during, and after surgery. If you’re a Hancock Health patient, we will be able to access your records within our system. If you aren’t, we will work with your doctors to get the necessary information.

Your surgical team will evaluate the situation and help you make a choice that’s right for you and your health. Temporary treatments might be used if your surgery is rescheduled.

Consult the price transparency tool at HancockRegionalHospital.org for an idea of how much PEG tube placement surgery might cost.

Medicare parts A and B will cover the cost of PEG tube placement, but it’s important for your doctor to indicate that the surgery is medically necessary.

As a patient, you play an important role in preparing for your PEG tube placement. Your medical team may ask you to stop taking certain medications several days before your procedure. You’ll also be asked not to eat or drink at least eight hours before your PEG tube placement.

You’ll arrive several hours before your surgery and be escorted to the preoperative waiting area. You’ll remove all of your clothing and jewelry, and put on a hospital gown. (Your valuables will be placed in a secure area or may be given to a family member.)  You’ll sign any necessary paperwork and a preoperative nurse will take your vital signs, review your medications, and answer any questions. You’ll meet your anesthesiologist and the members of your surgery team. They will mark the location of your surgery on your body.  An IV (intravenous line) will be placed in your hand or arm, so medications—including general anesthesia—can be administered. If you’re using a different kind of anesthesia, you’ll receive an injection. When it’s time for your surgery, you will be wheeled into the operating suite on a stretcher.

In addition to the surgeon, you have an anesthesiologist, nurses—some of them specialize in working with patients and others assist the surgeon—and support staff, who get you checked in and out, compile your records, and more. They all work together, performing their individual jobs, so the procedure is as successful as possible.

Anything you’ll need for an overnight stay, including a change of underwear, a sweatshirt, glasses or contacts, headphones, and your medications. You probably will not be there overnight, but it’s a good idea to be prepared.

You will be sedated and anesthetized and the PEG tube will be placed in your stomach.

A PEG tube placement typically lasts around 20-30 minutes.

While the length of a hospital stay depends on each patient’s individual needs, patients are typically discharged the same day following the procedure.

After the procedure, you will be moved to a recovery room where you will stay until you’re ready for discharge. The amount of time you’ll be in recovery depends on how long it takes for the sedation and anesthesia to wear off and your individual needs. A day or two after your procedure, you might have some cramping from gas buildup in your digestive system but it should dissipate in a short time. There will be a bandage over the incision site and you may see some drainage for a short time, one or two days.

You’ll be able to talk to your surgeon immediately after your procedure, while you’re in the recovery room.

In most cases, patients receive pain medication immediately following surgery.

Your doctor may prescribe pain medication, an antibiotic, and other medications for your digestive system.

Make sure you have the medical supplies your care team recommends for when you arrive home from the procedure. If you live alone, you may want to arrange for a friend or family member to check in with you.

Physical therapy and rehabilitation are not typically needed after a PEG tube placement. Our associates will help you arrange the postoperative care you’ll need.

Your sutures will be removed by your doctor in about two weeks. You will also have a small scar on your abdomen.

If you have an emergency following your procedure, call your doctor’s office. If you’re in need of immediate emergency services, go to the nearest emergency room.