Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in neurology intensive care unit

Purpose: To evaluate the demographical characteristics of patients who underwent percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy procedure in neurology intensive care clinics. Material and Methods: Patients who underwent percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy procedure in neurology intensive care clinics between 2015-2017 were included into this study. Demographical characteristics of the cases were retrospectively evaluated. Findings: In total, 50 patients (21 women, 29 men) were evaluated as the study group. Mean duration of follow-up was 40.12±30.19 days. All patients who underwent percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy procedure had neurological disorders. Mean age of the patient group was 73±15.8 years. Mean Glasgow coma score (GCS) as evaluated on the day of PEG decision was 9.18±3.6. Five patients developed a skin infection on the site of PEG entry and one patient experienced peristomal bleeding. Conclusion: Enteral route must be the first option to be preferred for feeding patients who receive long-term inpatient treatment for neurological disorders in the intensive care units. In patients who do not tolerate oral intake, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy applications provide a route to give pre-prepared nutritional solutions. Long-term nutritional support can be given through this route with minimal complications.