A gastrostomy can be placed to decompress the stomach contents in a patient with a malignant bowel obstruction. This is referred to as a "venting PEG" and is placed to prevent and manage nausea and vomiting. A gastrostomy can also be used to treat volvulus of the stomach, where the stomach twists along one of its axes.

Can you eat with a venting PEG?

Having a PEG tube will let you enjoy eating and drinking. You will be able to drink liquids and eat soft foods or foods that have been mixed in the blender. However, these foods and liquids will only give you a small amount of nutrition. This is because they will mostly drain through the tube into a drainage bag.

Why would someone need a PEG tube?

A percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a surgery to place a feeding tube. Feeding tubes, or PEG tubes, allow you to receive nutrition through your stomach. You may need a PEG tube if you have difficulty swallowing or can't get all the nutrition you need by mouth.