Ethical aspects of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy placement for artificial nutrition and hydratation
Journal | Volume 69 - 2006 |
Issue | Fasc.3 - Symposium |
Author(s) | M. Arvanitakis, A. Ballarin, A. Van Gossum |
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(1) Department of Gastroenterology, (2) Nutrition Team, Erasme University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium. |
Of the many decisions that family members and physicians must make about medical care in patients with advanced disease and perceived poor quality of life, none is more heart-wrenching than the decision about artificial nutrition and hydratation. The endoscopist often is placed in a precarious position when percuta- neous endoscopic gastrostomy tube placement is requested in such patients. Clinical decision-making between the patient, the family and the physician should be consistent with legal and ethical prin- ciples. The purpose of this article is to provide an evaluation of med- ical and ethical issues regarding the decision on placing a percuta- neous endoscopic gastrostomy tube for various indications, as well as suggesting strategies to optimize the decision-making process. (Acta gastroenterol. belg., 2006, 69, 317-320). |
© Acta Gastro-Enterologica Belgica. |