Comparison of modified introducer method with pull method for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy: Prospective randomized study

Aim:  The pull method is associated with a high incidence of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) site infection. The introducer method has been shown to be less likely to cause infection, because it avoids the passage of a tube through the oropharynx. The aim of the present study was to compare the modified introducer method with the pull method for PEG. Methods:  The study included patients who were scheduled for PEG from April 2008 to April 2010. The patients were randomly assigned to receive PEG by the pull method (Group I) or the modified introducer method (Group II). We evaluated the incidence of PEG site infection, some infection‐associated parameters and other complications. Wound infections were evaluated in accordance with the Jain's score. Results:  Of 62 patients enrolled, 31 patients were assigned to each of the two groups. One patient in Group I died on the day after PEG. The cause of death and relationship with PEG were unclear. Excluding this patient, 61 were included in the per‐protocol analysis. The incidence of peristomal infection within 1 week was slightly lower in Group II than in Group I, albeit not statistically significant (12.9% vs 23.3%, P  = 0.3354). White blood cell count (WBC) and C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels were significantly lower in Group II (WBC: P  = 0.0345, CRP: P  = 0.0346). None of the patients underwent surgical procedures for the treatment of peristomal infection. Conclusion:  The results of the present study show that gastrostomy by the modified introducer method may be less likely, although not significantly, to cause peristomal infection than the pull method.