ABSTRACT
Background: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a common procedure employed for patients with swallowing disorders with a functioning gastrointestinal tract. Replacement of PEG with a conventional PEG tube by ‘pull technique’ is considered to be the standard of care. Low profile or button PEG, an alternative that obviates the need for endoscopy, is less explored in the Indian setting. Methods: Records of all the patients, who underwent PEG replacement with a low-profile PEG (MIC-KEY by Halyard, U.S.A.) for three years, were reviewed. Complications and other relevant details were recorded. Result: Twenty four low profile PEG tubes were placed in 16 patients; [male 12 (75%); median age(range) 67 (25-85) years]. The indications of PEG placement were stroke in 10 patients, other neurologic illnesses in 5 patients and laryngeal malignancy in 1 patient. Perforation peritonitis and skin induration developed in one patient each. None of the patients had any procedure-related fatal complication. Conclusion: Although PEG exchange with low profile PEG is considered safe, it has potential complications. Thus, utmost care is required to recognize and treat them early.