Local Infection after Placement of Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Tubes: A Prospective Study Evaluating Risk Factors

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Due to its high efficacy and technical simplicity, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) has gained wide-spread use. Local infection, occurring in approximately 2% to 39% of procedures, is the most common complication in the short term. Risk factors for local infection are largely unknown and therefore – apart from calculated antibiotic prophylaxis – preventive strategies have yet to be determined.