Increased risk of peristomal wound infection after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in patients with diabetes mellitus

Background. Results of prospective studies on the effect of prophylactic antibiotics before percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy are conflicting. Factors for increased risk of peristomal wound infection have not been clearly identified. Aim. To evaluate the incidence of complications of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy and to determine the predictors of wound infection. Patients and Methods. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy was performed on 134 patients in different disease groups between January 1996 and June 2000. Medical records were carefully reviewed for demographic data, Indications for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, use of prophylactic antibiotics, complications and comorbid conditions predisposing to wound infection. Results. Of 134 patients, 22 (16.4%) developed complications after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy Wound infection, the most common complication, occurred in 19 patients (14.2%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most frequently isolated microorganism. In univariate analysis, non-malignant disease and diabetes mellitus were significantly associated with peristomal wound infection after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy In multivariate analysis, only diabetes mellitus was an independent risk factor for the development of peristomal wound infection after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (p=0.035). Conclusions. Patients with diabetes mellitus have a higher risk of peristomal wound infection after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy.