P1143 LONG-TERM-FOLLOW-UP OF PERCUTANEOUS ENDOSCOPIC GASTROSTOMY IN 72 INFANTS AND CHILDREN

Introduction: The Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) procedure carries short and long time risks compared to naso-gastric tube feeding. Few data exist on the rate of late complications and the opinion of parents about benefits and disadvantages of the PEG. In a retrospective study we investigated parents experience with a PEG tube or Button. Methods: Parents of patients with a PEG procedure between 1993 to 2002 were interviewed by phone call or by mail. The following data were obtained: Time of PEG usage, feeding habits before PEG, complications of PEG and Button and the personal opinion about the PEG. Results: Of 127 parents 72 participated (57%). 22 patients had died (from not PEG-related reasons), 33 parents refused to participate or could not be traced. In 28 patients the PEG was later replaced by a Button. 55 patients had naso-gastric tube feeding before PEG application (range 1 mo. to 9 years; median 6 mo.) with the requirement of frequent tube changes (range of tube changes per month 1 to 120; median 8). Mean time with the PEG was 4 3/12 years. Weaning from the PEG was successful in 23 patients after a mean of 3 years and in 16 of these patients (69%) the possibility of PEG tube feeding was regarded supportive by the parents. Medical Complications were reported in 56 patients (78%) and in 17 from 28 patients with Button (60%). These were skin irritation at the PEG insertion side (n=45), leakage of the PEG with skin irritation (n=23), granuloma (n=25) and pain at the insertion site (n=18). Despite the high rate of complications 65 parents (90%) stated their child does have benefit from the PEG. Among those patients with a Button 20 (83%) stated that the button was easier to handle than the former used PEG. Conclusion: The majority of parents of patients with PEG is satisfied with the PEG despite a high rate of smaller complications. The button is a good alternative with no higher complication rate than the PEG tube.