Abstract
We performed laparoscopic-asisted percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (LAPEG) in 4 cases in which percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) was difficult. All of the patients were male and had no history of laparotomy. Their mean age was 72.5 years, and ordinary PEG was attempted in all of them, but because there was judged to be a risk of puncturing other organs, we switched to LAPEG. The mean operation time was 36.7 min, and mean blood loss was 3 mL. Wound infection at the site of insertion of the gastrostomy was observed in 1 case, but it was treated conservatively. LAPEG is a superior method that enables gastrostomy to be performed safely and with minimal invasion, and that makes replacement of the gastrostomy tube and routine management easy.
