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World J Gastrointest Pathophysiol. Nov 15, 2013; 4(4): 119-125
Published online Nov 15, 2013. doi: 10.4291/wjgp.v4.i4.119
Published online Nov 15, 2013. doi: 10.4291/wjgp.v4.i4.119
Usefulness of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy for supportive therapy of advanced aerodigestive cancer
Haruei Ogino, Hirotada Akiho, Department of Gastroenterology, Kitakyushu Municipal Medical Center, Kitakyushu 802-0077, Japan
Author contributions: Both authors contributed extensively to this manuscript; Ogino H provided a significant editorial and literature contribution; Akiho H provided literature-related comments and review.
Correspondence to: Hirotada Akiho, MD, PhD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kitakyushu Municipal Medical Center, 2-1-1 Bashaku, Kokura-kitaku, Kitakyushu 802-0077, Japan. akiho@med.kyushu-u.ac.jp
Telephone: +81-93-5411831 Fax: +81-93-5338693
Received: June 10, 2013
Revised: September 6, 2013
Accepted: October 16, 2013
Published online: November 15, 2013
Revised: September 6, 2013
Accepted: October 16, 2013
Published online: November 15, 2013
Core Tip
Core tip: Aerodigestive cancer is well known to have a poor prognosis and is often diagnosed in the late stages with dysphagia. Insufficient nutrition and lack of stimulation of the intestinal mucosa may worsen immune compromise. Therefore, it is most important to optimize enteral nutrition before and during treatment, as well as during palliative treatment. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) may be useful for nutritional support. PEG tube placement using the introducer method or the direct method may be a much safer alternative than the pull/push method. PEG may be recommended in patients with aerodigestive cancer because of the improved complication rate.