In the push technique for PEG placement, how is the guidewire described?

In the push technique for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placement, the guidewire is described as a single, stiffer wire. This characterization is essential because the stiffness of the guidewire aids in navigating through the tissues while maintaining its form and facilitating the creation of a tract for the PEG tube placement. The stiffness helps to minimize the risk of the wire buckling or bending during the procedure, thus enhancing control and precision.

In this method, the guidewire's rigidity allows for the effective puncture of the stomach wall, followed by the proper placement of the PEG tube. The single-wire design is beneficial as it enables straightforward passage through the tract created for the feeding tube, thus reducing the complexity involved in the placement process.

The need for a stiffer guidewire also reflects the anatomical and physiological challenges encountered during the procedure, emphasizing the importance of using a tool that can provide reliable support and direction throughout the entry into the stomach.