Repeat PEG placement is safe for head and neck cancer patients

PurposePercutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) provides durable nutritional access for head and neck (HNC) patients as they undergo treatment. Continuing treatment of HNC may necessitate repeat PEG placement. We report our outcomes with repeat PEG compared to first-time PEG in HNC patients.Materials and MethodsA retrospective chart review identified morbidity, mortality, and possible risk factors for complications.ResultsRepeat PEG tubes constituted 17% of PEG procedures. Morbidity was rare and similar complication rates were found between the initial PEG and repeat PEG groups (2% vs. 11%, p = 0.131). There were no mortalities.ConclusionsRepeat PEG plays an important role in the care of HNC patients and can be considered a safe means to establish durable enteric feeding access for patients with recurrent cancer or treatment complications.