The radiology of oesophageal tubes for malignant strictures.
The insertion of oesphagogastric tubes in the palliative treatment of carcinomatous obstruction of the oesophagus is well established. Complications of this procedure are not uncommon whether the tubes are inserted via a gastrotomy or endoscopically. As the aim of insertion is to palliate the patient's condition the prompt recognition of complications is essential. The two most commonly used tubes are described and the complications associated with their use illustrated and discussed. The important role of the radiologist in the initial assessment of the oesophagus (prior to tube insertion) and in the prompt diagnosis of post-insertion complication is stressed.
D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy; D004940:Esophageal Stenosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D004947:Esophagus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D007440:Intubation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011859:Radiography