PERCUTANEOUS RADIOLOGIC GASTROSTOMY (PRG) TUBE INSERTION
What is PRG tube insertion:
- Percutaneous radiologic gastrostomy tube insertion is a method of placing a feeding tube into the stomach through the abdominal wall using imaging. The tube is kept in the right position using a balloon and is suitable for long-term use.
Why it is necessary:
- This is necessary for patients who cannot eat by themselves and feeding tube cannot be inserted through the oesophagus.
- Gastrostomy provides an alternative access for nutritional support in patients with long-term impairment of oral intake. It is well tolerated for nutritional supplementation, generally provides improved quality of life.
- It is useful in conditions like,
- Inadequate oral intake due to dysphagia (neurologic disorder, oesophageal obstruction, head & neck masses).
- Oesophageal carcinoma.
- Gastroparesis.
Preparation for procedure:
- Few basic blood investigations like CBC, PT/INR, viral markers.
- Protective immunization before procedure.
- Fasting for 4-6 hrs.
- Bring all the records including imaging record.
- Signing consent form.
What are risk:
- The most common risks are skin infection and bruising.
- Extremely rare but bothersome complications include bleeding or pressure ulcers around the PRG.
- May start leaking during the tube placement, causing peritonitis.
(Percentage of patients who experience serious complications is less than 1%).
