Page 11

The PEG tube:

     Side effects of the radiotherapy can make it difficult or even impossible to take nourishment via the mouth for a period of several weeks. Obviously it is essential to maintain an intake of fluids and nutrition during this time so, it is recommended that the patient has a PEG tube inserted. PEG is an abbreviation for Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastroscopy and describes a tube ( about 6mm in diameter ) which is inserted through the abdomen directly into the stomach and left in place for as long as necessary ( weeks or months ). The insertion procedure is performed under sedation rather than a general anaesthetic as the patient has to be conscious and cooperative.

      In case this sounds like your worst nightmare let me reassure everyone that the procedure was painless and a drug was administered which wiped my short term memory. All I remember is the nurse telling me to hold a plastic ring between my teeth while sitting on the operating table, and then waking up with the tube in place. Everything which occurred in between was erased.

      Usually the tube is inserted prior to the start of radiotherapy to allow the wound (stoma) to settle down and ensure the patient is comfortable using it. In my case the PEG tube was inserted just after treatment began due to a last minute change to the therapy schedule.

   The picture shows my PEG tube in place and held in a loop by an adhesive pad on my chest ( A hairless torso proved a distinct advantage ). There are two capped connectors on the external tube end, to accommodate different syringe types, or pumps, for pushing liquids down the tube. Over the next few months the PEG proved to be a life saver and integral part of my recovery. It was like saying farewell to an old friend when it was finally removed.  

Having now completed all the planning steps, I was ready to begin the radiotherapy sessions. The final act of commitment, and trust, was to sign a consent form to allow treatment to commence.