Abstract
Introduction: In our study performed in 2003, it was demonstrated that severe complications that might develop into medical accidents occurred during percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) management for neuromuscular disease.
This study investigated the problems of PEG from the patient's viewpoint.
Subject and methods: Patients with neuromuscular disease who underwent PEG after 2000 or their families were interviewed about complications of PEG and informed consent given before the PEG procedure.
We also asked the attending physician about complications of PEG in these patients.
Results: Patients did not consider that they were given an adequate explanation of potential complications of PEG. There was a difference between patients and physicians in the recognition of abdominal wall problems.
Conclusion: It is necessary to review the contents of information given to patients regarding the potential for complications after PEG. It was suggested that abdominal wall problems (leakage of fluid diet or inflammation) that was considered a comparatively mild complication by the physician was rated a greater problem by the patient.
Physicians should improve the management of PEG complications.
