Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomies: attitudes of general practitioners and how management may be improved.

Abstract

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) has replaced surgical gastrostomy in patients requiring long-term enteral nutrition. Increasing numbers of patients are being referred for PEG placement. Concern has been raised about patient selection and subsequent follow-up of these patients in the community. We report the views of Northern Ireland GPs to PEGs and how management may be improved.