Postoperative maintenance of the PEG—follow local treatment instructions
It is important to maintain a mild tensile stress in the PEG during the first three weeks after the operation. Gently apply tension to the PEG until you feel a mild resistance.
Move the outer stop plate (the triangle) two millimeters clear of the skin and lock it. Check the tension every now and then; if too little there is a risk of leakage from the stomach into the abdominal cavity (peritonitis risk) and if too much there is a tissue-damage risk (necrosis). It is important to maintain the tensile stress also when dressing the wound.
Daily dressing of the tube-wound is necessary the first three postoperative weeks. When the wound has healed (after about three weeks) it may be cleansed with soap and water during showers/baths (see next page).
Daily wound care
The tube wound should be examined and cleansed daily to avoid infections.
Cleanse with common soap and water during showers Wash off the soap thoroughly with water and get the wound completely dry.
If inflamed, the wound may be treated with a lyophobic ointment. If infected, the wound should be thoroughly cleansed with saline and absorbent cotton one or two times a day. Persisting infection is an indication for bacteriological inquiry and may require treatment with antibiotics.
Dressing the wound
Open the plate-clamp (1).
Loosen the tube from the plate (2).
Gently pull the triangular plate upwards (3).
Remove the old compress. Use physiological saline (isotonic 0.9 % NaCl) and sterile cotton to cleanse the tube wound.
Also clean the plate on both sides.
Use a new sterile compress to dress the wound.
Use adhesive plaster to secure the dressing.
Return the plate and stretch the tube gently to achieve the proper tension. Secure the tube onto the plate (4).
Close the tube clamp (5).
Do not tamper with the tube connections, cover with tape to prevent them from accidentally becoming unscrewed.
