PEG Tube Duration
With proper care and handling, PEG tubes can remain in place for many years—exceeding 10 years or more—without requiring routine replacement. 1
No Scheduled Replacement Required
- There is no need to exchange a PEG tube at regular intervals. 1
- The durability of a PEG tube system is primarily linked to careful handling rather than time-based limitations. 1
- PEG tubes should only be replaced when complications occur (such as tube dysfunction, occlusion, material fatigue, or fracture), not based on a predetermined schedule. 1
Contrast with Button Systems
- Button systems are more expensive and require routine exchange approximately every 6 months due to material fatigue, unlike standard PEG tubes which do not have this requirement. 1
- Buttons are typically reserved for cosmetic reasons in socially integrated younger patients, not for routine long-term feeding. 1
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Proper aftercare is essential to maximize tube longevity:
- Flush the tube with approximately 40 ml of water after each feed or medication administration to prevent occlusion. 1
- Ensure the external fixation plate allows at least 5 mm of free tube movement to prevent buried bumper syndrome. 1
- Push the tube 2-3 cm ventrally during dressing changes and pull back to resistance to prevent adhesions. 1
- Change dressings regularly (daily initially, then every 2-3 days after wound healing) to prevent infection. 1
When to Consider Removal
- PEG tubes are removed in 20-30% of patients when oral feeding is re-established, typically after a median duration of 4-6 months. 1, 2
- Endoscopic removal with snare retrieval of the internal fixation plate is recommended over simple external cutting, despite reports that the latter can be done safely in adults. 1
- Newer PEG systems with externally releasable internal fixation plates allow percutaneous removal without endoscopy, particularly useful for temporary feeding needs (e.g., during chemotherapy or radiation). 1