Experience of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in cardiac patients

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we aimed to present our experience and findings in high-risk cardiac patients who were inserted percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube due to inability to take oral food, pro-longed intravenous/nasogastric nutrition, or require long-term enteral feeding.
METHODS: A total of 64 patients were examined retrospectively who had PEG tube insertion between 2012 and 2020 in the intensive care unit or clinic by the gastrointestinal surgeon. All patients underwent cardiac surgery before feeding tube insertion. The necessity and short-term results for PEG were evaluated in this patient group.
RESULTS: A total of 64 patients underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for insertion of a PEG tube. The procedure was successful in all patients and no complications were observed in the follow-up. Twenty-five (39.1%) of 64 patients were women. The mean age of the patients was 67.04 (±11.44) years. The number of patients for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, cerebrovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and chronic obstructive/restrictive pulmonary disease was 36 (56.3%), 53 (82.8%), 21 (32.8%), 19 (29.7%), 21 (32.8%), and 15 (23.4%), respectively. The mean hospital stay of the patients after cardiac surgery was 37.81 (±12.81) days, and the mean feeding from PEG tubes was 13.34 (±4.93) days.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Patients with high-risk factors who have undergone cardiac surgery are more likely to need a PEG tube. This patient group should be evaluated well in the pre-operative period. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy should be performed in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms. Furthermore, information should be given about the PEG tube that may be required in the post-operative period.