A reference to a medical instrument consisting of a long tube inserted into the body which is used for diagnostic examinations and surgical procedures.

1. A method used for long-term tube feeding, in which a tube is inserted through the chest wall into the stomach under endoscopic guidance.
2. Artificial feeding through a tube passed through the skin into the stomach.

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is a surgical procedure for placing a feeding tube, but it does not necessitate doing an open laparotomy (operation on the abdomen).

The aim of PEG (as with any gastrostomy) is to feed those who can not normally swallow their food. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy may be done by a surgeon, otolaryngologist, or a gastroenterologist. It is usually done in a hospital or outpatient surgical facility.

See gavage for information about a similar procedure.