The most common complication after PEG tube placement is:

The most common complication after PEG tube placement is:

• A. Buried bumper syndrome
• B. Gastric ulceration
• C. Colocutaneous fistulas
• D. Peristomal infection

Answer: (D)

Peristomal infection is the most common complication after PEG tube placement. Creating a tract from the stomach to the skin introduces a pathway for bacteria from the skin and GI tract to colonize the surrounding tissue, especially when skin barriers are compromised by moisture, leakage, or inadequate skin care. This typically presents as redness, warmth, tenderness around the stoma, with possible purulent drainage; fever may occur if the infection progresses. Prevention hinges on meticulous insertion technique and diligent stoma care: keeping the skin clean and dry, securing the tube to reduce movement and tugging, and promptly treating any skin irritation. While other issues like buried bumper syndrome, gastric ulceration, or colocutaneous fistulas can happen, they are less common than a peristomal infection.

Peristomal infection is the most common complication after PEG tube placement. Creating a tract from the stomach to the skin introduces a pathway for bacteria from the skin and GI tract to colonize the surrounding tissue, especially when skin barriers are compromised by moisture, leakage, or inadequate skin care. This typically presents as redness, warmth, tenderness around the stoma, with possible purulent drainage; fever may occur if the infection progresses. Prevention hinges on meticulous insertion technique and diligent stoma care: keeping the skin clean and dry, securing the tube to reduce movement and tugging, and promptly treating any skin irritation. While other issues like buried bumper syndrome, gastric ulceration, or colocutaneous fistulas can happen, they are less common than a peristomal infection.