percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG), the creation of a new opening in the stomach for enteral tube feedings. It can also be used for gastric decompression. PEG is accomplished by puncturing the abdominal wall after the stomach has been distended. A tube is then inserted through the abdominal wall into the stomach under endoscopic guidance. It can be performed with the patient under local anesthesia or moderate sedation or analgesia in the endoscopic suite, in the operating room, or at bedside in the critical care unit.
