Aims and objectives: To assess the effect of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy on short- and long-term survival of patients in a persistent vegetative state after stroke and determine the relevant prognostic factors. Background: Stroke may lead to a persistent vegetative state, and the effect of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy on survival of stroke patients in a persistent vegetative state remains unclear. Design: Prospective study. Methods: A total of 97 stroke patients in a persistent vegetative state hospitalised from January 2009 to D...