PERCUTANEOUS ENDOSCOPIC GASTROSTOMY APPLICATION TO GERIATRIC PATIENTS IN INTENSIVE CARE UNIT

Abstract

Introduction: Nutritional support is very important in geriatric patients with insufficient or no oral intake in intensive care units (ICU). The need for active enteral nutrition by means of nutrition tubes in patients with impaired swallowing function, the methods of application and the benefits obtained are still controversial. In this study we aimed to evaluate the problems related with application of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) to geriatric patients who need intensive care.