A gastrostomy feeding tube has become the most acceptable method for long-term feeding support in patients with head and neck cancer. The aim of this study was to compare the complications of percutaneous endoscopically inserted gastrostomy (PEG) tubes, radiologically inserted gastrostomy (RIG) tubes and surgically inserted gastrostomy (open/laparoscopic) (SUR) tubes in head and neck cancer patients and also to compare the mortality rates of these patients.

Seventy-eight head and neck cancer patients underwent gastrostomy tube insertion (40 PEG, 28 RIG and 10 SUR) during the period February 2002 to February 2005. There were no significant demographic differences between the three groups. Thirty-six patients (46 per cent) developed complications, 32 minor and four major. All three groups were similar in their rate of minor complications, with the dislodgement and blockage rate being lowest in the PEG group (p > 0.05). The mortality rate was 4 per cent within 30 days of gastrostomy tube insertion. There were no deaths in the PEG group, two deaths in the RIG group and one in the SUR group. The PEG tube was considered superior to the RIG and SUR gastrostomy tubes, had fewer complications and was safer. Thus, PEG tube insertion is our first choice for head and neck cancer patients.