What is PEG feeding?

PEG (Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy) is a medical procedure carried out to insert a tube into your stomach. Insertion of a PEG tube means you can receive food, fluids, or medication directly into your stomach (also known as enteral feeding) instead of through your mouth.

Special nutritional products are used for PEG feeding. These are formulated to contain carbohydrates, protein, fats and micronutrients. Typically, you will have a nutritional assessment to determine your nutritional requirements because everyone’s needs differ. Your healthcare providers can offer information on how to care for your PEG tube and where you can go for more information and support.

When is a PEG feeding tube used?

You may need a PEG feeding tube if you have problems swallowing (dysphagia). A PEG tube is a more comfortable and discreet alternative (it can be hidden under your clothes) to a tube that goes from the nose to the stomach (nasogastric tube).

Causes of dysphagia include:

• brain injury – for example, caused by head injuries, Multiple Sclerosis, or Motor Neurone Disease
• head and neck cancer – there may be temporary problems with swallowing while you have treatment, or you might have a blockage in your oesophagus
• stroke – because of damage to the brain the muscles required to swallow may not work properly and food may end up in the lungs instead of the stomach.

If you have a condition where you are unable to obtain enough nutrients, your healthcare provider may consider using PEG feeding. These conditions include:

• loss of appetite
• cancer
• cystic fibrosis
• eating disorders
• gastrointestinal disorders
• Crohn’s disease
• kidney failure.

People requiring complex care because of specialised feeding requirements may be eligible for NDIS funding to cover the costs of PEG feeding or other services such as home enteral nutrition services.

How long does a PEG tube remain in the stomach?

Some people only have a PEG tube inserted for a short while. For example, people who are having treatment for head or neck cancer may have trouble swallowing and need some short-term help with feeding while they recover. For other people, the PEG tube is more permanent. You may need a permanent PEG tube if you have:

• a severe stroke
• traumatic head injuries causing neurological damage
• long-term neurological conditions – for example, Multiple Sclerosis or Motor Neuron Disease.

Do you require training to use a PEG tube?

PEG training provides the comprehensive knowledge necessary to maintain the PEG tube and assist people with PEG feeding. While the training is not required to work in the healthcare field in Australia, it is an essential qualification to support individuals who require PEG feeding.

Pinnacle Hub Training provides comprehensive training to staff working with individuals who require a PEG tube for feeding and medications purposes.