Efficacy and Safety of Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy in Elderly Patients Aged Over 65: A Tertiary Center Long-term Results

Aim:Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a method that can be applied for nutritional purposes in patients who cannot be fed orally for various reasons but whose gastrointestinal system functions are normal. In this study, we aimed to determine the etiological causes and long-term outcomes (efficacy, safety, lifespan) of PEG in patients over 65 years of age.Methods:The data of patients aged 65 years or older who had PEG in our unit between 2015 and 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. The demographic information of the patients, the units they are being followed in, the underlying diseases, additional diseases, if any, complications-related to the procedure and the average life span were evaluated.Results:During this period, 140 patients had been PEG inserted. 51% of patients were male and the average age was 73.7±9.2 years, and the average age of women was 76±7.2 years. The most frequent cause of PEG insertion is a neurological disease. PEG insertion was the most common in cerebrovascular events, with a rate of 39%. PEG was implanted in 30% for Alzheimer’s disease, and 14% for malignant reasons. 28% of the patients lived less than a month. In total, 76% of patients died. The average life expectancy of patients who died after PEG was 221.3±330.7 days.Conclusion:PEG is the gold standard in patients with normal gastrointestinal system functions in long-term enteral nutrition. However, in patients with a life expectancy of less than 1 month, the decision to place PEG or not should be made carefully.