Tube dysfunction following percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy and jejunostomy

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) and jejunostomy (PEJ) have supplanted their surgical counterparts in many institutions. Previous reports have claimed advantages in placing PEJ tubes because of reduced gastroesophageal reflux, prevention of aspiration, and improved tube anchoring distally. We reviewed the records of 191 patients who underwent placement of PEG/J tubes. Data collected included incidence of tube dysfunction, need for tube replacement or removal, and aspiration after PEG or PEJ tube placement. Tube dysfunction, defined as peritube leakage, plugging, fracture, or migration, occurred in 36% of patients over a mean follow-up period of 275 days and was significantly more common and likely to necessitate tube replacement in PEJ patients. Tube trade-out or removal and aspiration within a 30-day period after tube placement occurred in 28% and 10% of patients, respectively. These complications were significantly more common in PEJ patients than in PEG patients. Because of the increased incidence of tube dysfunction and the failure to prevent aspiration in predisposed patients, PEJ tube placement is not routinely indicated in patients requiring tube feedings.