So, a PEG or a RIG for me? Which is better?Ī PEG is the standard and most reliable way to do this procedure but it is not possible in all patients, in which case a RIG is a very safe alternative.
You can also take most medications via a PEG/RIG. Using a PEG feed can take the pressure off eating and drinking if chewing and swallowing has become difficult. This may mean eating and drinking small amounts which you enjoy, rather than eating and drinking because you have to. You may not need to use a PEG/RIG for a while after it has been inserted, or PEG liquid feed can be used to supplement what you are eating and drinking via the normal route. Do I have to use the PEG/RIG straight away or can I still eat and drink normally too? A PEG/RIG will not slow the course of the disease in someone with MND, but it is believed to significantly improve their quality of life. There may also be a risk of food and drink 'going down the wrong way' into the lungs, which can cause chest infections. Weight loss as a result can make an MND patient weaker and more vulnerable to infections. If, due to weakness of the muscles of the mouth and throat, you have difficulty swallowing food and/or drink/medicines, or if you are likely to have swallowing difficulties in the future, then this makes it difficult to eat and drink enough to meet your nutritional needs.
RIG stands for Radiologically Inserted Gastrostomy - inserted using X-ray guidance after having barium placed inside the stomach. PEG stands for Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy - inserted via a telescope down the food pipe. It can be put in via two methods: PEG or RIG. It enables you to receive food, fluids and medicine directly into your stomach when it is difficult or unsafe to use the normal route via the mouth. What is a gastrostomy tube, PEG/RIG?Ī gastrostomy is a small feeding tube connecting your stomach cavity directly to the overlying skin. This article provides information about gastrostomy (feeding tube).
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