Table 1 Complications of PEG

I.

Due to the endoscopy procedure

Laryngospasm [4], airway obstruction

aspiration and pneumonia (4)

respiratory depression or apnea [5]

desaturation [5] or respiratory distress and acute respiratory failure

hypertension [5]

fracture of the alveolar ridge while attempting to open the mouth [5]

II.

Due to the PEG and the gastrostomy tube

perforation/laceration of the oesophagus or the stomach [4–7]

transhepatic insertion of the tube [3]

pneumoperitoneum [8]

colonic perforation [7]

subcutaneous emphysema [9]

retroperitoneal hemorrhage [10]

aortic perforation [11]

erosion of the gastric mucosa and bleeding [4, 5, 9]

hematoma or infection of the abdominal wall [4, 7]

gastrocolic fistula [12]

colocutaneous fistula [13]

hypertrophic granulation tissue at the gastrostomy exit [5]

burried bumper syndrome [14]

malpositioning of the tube or leakage

   • to the subcutaneous tissues → cellulitis, myositis, necrotinzing fasciitis [15], subcutaneous abscess [14].

   • to the peritoneal cavity → peritonitis [5, 9, 12], intraabdominal abscess [9], sepsis[12].

migration of the tip of the gastrostomy tube

   • to oesophagus (oesophagitis)

   • to pylorus (obstruction or perforation of the duodenum) [16]

migration of the whole PEG tube up to the terminal ileum [17]

peristomal hernia or stomal prolapse

accidental pulling out or cutting off the tube close to the skin during home care [5]

erosion of the tube through the gastric wall

obstruction of the tube lumen [6]

hub detachment [18] or damage

later symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux [7]

Ileus [4, 6]

III.

Due to the mode of feeding

Diarrhoea [6, 16]

nausea

vomiting

Dumping syndrome

Ogilvie's syndrome [4]

Aspiration pneumonia [19]

Constipation and meteorism