Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy for Decompression of Nonmalignant Gastrointestinal Disease

Introduction: The utility of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) decompression for inoperable malignant bowel obstruction is well documented. However, there are limited data on decompressive PEG for prolonged ileus, gut dysmotility, and/or complicated nonmalignant bowel obstruction. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and short-term outcomes of decompressive PEG for nonmalignant indications. Subjects and Methods: After Institutional Review Board approval, we retrospectively reviewed and analyzed all PEG insertions completed at our institution between 2009 and 2014 for prolonged ileus, gut dysmotility, or nonmalignant obstruction. Results: We identified 72 patients (42 females, 30 males; mean age, 58.815.2 years) who underwent decompressive PEG for nonmalignant indications. There were no procedural complications or mortalities. The mean pre- and postprocedural length of stays were 14.4 +/- 10.7 and 7.6 +/- 11.1 days, respectively (P=.0003). The 30-day re-admission rate was 12.5% (9 patients; the majority for unrelated issues). Fifty-two (72%) of the 72 patients were discharged with a PEG for decompression for a median of 69.5 (range, 17-316) days; the remaining 20 (28%) patients were lost to follow-up and were assumed to continue follow-up with their primary referring center. Of the 72 patients, 63 (87.5%) were discharged on total parenteral nutrition (TPN); 36 (50%) of those continued to receive TPN for a median of 51 (range, 4-316) days after discharge, and resolution of their mechanical obstruction was ultimately achieved, so that they subsequently resumed enteral nutrition. Twenty-four (33%) patients were lost to follow-up; because they were referred to our tertiary referral center, we assumed they continued follow-up at their referring institution. Three (4%) patients ultimately went on to use TPN indefinitely and thus were considered to be chronically TPN-dependent. Conclusions: Decompressive PEG insertion is safe and effective at alleviating obstructive symptoms in patients with prolonged postoperative ileus, gut dysmotility, and/or complicated nonmalignant obstruction.