Decompressive percutaneous gastrostomy tube use in gynecologic malignancies

Percutaneous gastrostomy tube placement is a technically feasible and safe procedure for palliation in patients with small bowel obstruction (SBO) caused by advanced gynecologic malignancies. It is used commonly in patients who are poor surgical candidates, those who elect to not undergo surgery, and in patients with a limited lifespan because of end-stage cancer. Percutaneous gastrostomy tube placement is even technically possible in patients with tumor encasing the stomach, diffuse carcinomatosis, and ascites. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tubes provide symptomatic relief of nausea and vomiting in most patients with advanced gynecologic cancer and SBO. PEG tube placement allows most patients to have end-of-life care at home or in an inpatient hospice. It is a cost effective procedure and is associated with low morbidity and mortality. Placement of PEG tubes should be highly considered in patients who present with recurrent bowel obstruction and who have undergone a prior operation for SBO in the setting of advanced gynecologic malignancy. Copyright © 2006 by Current Science Inc.