I am in the midst of getting this all figured out. I have been putting off getting a feeding tube for almost 2 years now. The time has come to get serious about it.
Here is what I have found. Note that my breathing is pretty compromised with an FVC that is just under 30%. That affects what they are willing to do.
I was originally referred to a gastroenterologist who discussed a PEG (Percutaneous, Endoscopically Guided gtube. He said that normally it is an outpatient procedure, but that for me he would keep me overnight. I asked about a RIG, and he referred me to an interventional radiologist for a consultation. The level of anesthesia needed for a PEG was an area of concern.
The interventional radiologist told me that in the US it is most often called a PRG (Percutaneous, Radiologically Guided gtube) rather than a RIG. He explained that the PRG is preferred for me because of my compromised respiratory function. Much less sedation is required. He also said that it is typically an outpatient procedure, but would like to do me as an inpatient and keep me for the night.
There seem to be some advantages to having a PRG rather than a PEG:
1. Less sedation with a PRG
2. With a PRG, the tube will have a balloon in my stomach as opposed to a disk, so is quite a bit easier to swap out for a Mic Key when the healing is sufficient...probably after a month or so.
3. With a PEG, they can not be 100% sure about where the tube is relative to the stomach and other organs. With a PRG, they use a radio opaque dye to get a fluoroscope picture of the stomach so have a better idea of the positioning of things.
4. With the PRG they are able to secure the stomach to the abdomen around the tube. Those sutures will eventually dissolve, but having them in place reduces or eliminates the potential for leakage, which can be a potentially life-threatening complication.
5. The PRG seemed like a simpler procedure with less trauma.
I am not a medical professional and could have misunderstood some of the information that was provided. I am reporting what I think I have learned in my research and consultations.
Both of the doctors I met with are great and do many of the PEG and PRG procedures. I would feel comfortable with either of them. But, based on the information I have gathered I have decided to move forward with a PRG. I plan to get it right after our upcoming round of travel is wrapped up.
Steve