Journal of clinical gastroenterology
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J. Clin. Gastroenterol. · Mar 1997
Modified barium swallow does not affect how often PEGs are placed after stroke.
Dysphagia frequently follows stroke, but often resolves quickly. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) or other feeding tubes are placed to improve nutrition and hydration, and reduce the risk of aspiration pneumonitis. We evaluated the impact of modified barium swallow in determining PEG placements and the influence of specific swallowing abnormalities on PEG placement. ⋯ The rate of PEG placement was not related to any one of the abnormalities noted on the modified barium swallow. Rather, patients who received PEG had significant neurological deficits and increased prevalence of aspiration pneumonitis. The decision to insert PEG was made on clinical grounds and not on abnormal barium studies alone.