Benefits and risks of a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) for decompression in patients with malignant gastrointestinal obstruction

Purpose Gastrointestinal obstruction presents many burdens for patients with end-stage abdominal cancer, such as nausea and vomiting. Few detailed data on the efficacy of a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) for decompression exists. This retrospective cohort study investigates the quantity of symptom relief realized with PEG and the corresponding complications. Methods Chart reviews of 75 patients with malignant gastrointestinal obstruction, who received a PEG for decompression, were performed. Abstracted data includes symptoms (vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain) and medication up to 7 days before and after the intervention, complications, demographics, potential influencing factors and survival. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) models determined symptom reduction. Results PEG decreased the mean frequency of vomiting per day from 2.2 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.7–2.7) to 0.4 (95% CI 0.3–0.6) ( p < 0.001). The probability of the occurrence of nausea on a given day was 80% (95% CI 74–85%) prior to the PEG placement and 40% (95% CI 34–47%) afterwards ( p < 0.001). One hundred twelve complications were reported in 56 patients (none 19/75 patients (25%), minor 52/75 (69%), major 18/75 (24%)). Stomal leakage (18/75 patients), mild wound pain (17/75) and tube occlusion (13/75) occurred most frequently. The failure of the first attempt of the PEG placement (7/75) presented as the leading major complication. Conclusions The PEG for decompression significantly reduces vomiting and nausea in patients with malignant gastrointestinal obstruction ( p < 0.001). Minor complications are common and should be discussed prior to the intervention. Nevertheless, the PEG appears to demonstrate prevailing benefits in comparison to the risks.