@article{discovery1509538, year = {2016}, journal = {British Journal of Hospital Medicine}, title = {Percutaneous gastrostomy: troubleshooting complications}, pages = {C86--C90}, note = {This version is the author accepted manuscript. For information on re-use, please refer to the publisher's terms and conditions.}, number = {6}, volume = {77}, month = {June}, issn = {1750-8460}, author = {Lepore, M and Marks, DJ and Harbord, MW}, url = {http://doi.org/10.12968/hmed.2016.77.6.C86}, abstract = {Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy was first described in 1980 (Gauderer et al, 1980), superseding surgical gastrostomy as a means of providing long-term enteral nutrition. Despite the commonality of this procedure, its associated morbidity and mortality rates are significant, with directly attributable rates of 1:30 and 1:150 respectively. Poor patient selection and poor management are the principal factors contributing to adverse outcomes. The 2004 National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death recorded that 19\% of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy procedures performed were 'futile or not indicated at all'. This article provides a practical approach to avoiding and treating complications associated with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy feeding.}, keywords = {Catheter Obstruction, Cellulitis, Enteral Nutrition, Gastric Outlet Obstruction, Gastroscopy, Gastrostomy, Humans, Intestinal Perforation, Patient Selection, Peritonitis, Postoperative Complications, Postoperative Hemorrhage, Preoperative Care, Respiratory Aspiration of Gastric Contents} }