Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy: an effective strategy for gastrostomy feeding in patients with dementia

Abstract

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is an accepted technique for longterm enteral feeding. Its use has increased because of its simplicity and low complication rate. The demands for gastrostomy insertion have risen and now encompass indications where the long-term outcomes are uncertain. Dementia has become one of the commonest indications for gastrostomy feeding. This article reviews the justification for PEG feeding in dementia and suggests a practical approach for this difficult clinical situation. The clinical strategy described in this paper can be applied to other neurodegenerative diseases and provides a framework for improving a PEG service.