Endoscopic placement of Sengstaken-Blakemore tube.
A Sengstaken-Blakemore (SB) tube, when used approximately, still has a place in the management of acute variceal bleeding. Due to a number of reported complications from the misplacement of this tube, an x-ray localization before full inflation of the gastric balloon is recommended as the standard of care. Here, we report a new technique of SB tube placement with endoscopic confirmation in three patients. This technique is easy, accurate, and can be performed in any unit where a patient with variceal bleeding can be managed. Because it cuts down on the need for an x-ray or ultrasound confirmation, this technique may well become the "standard of care" among the practicing gastroenterologists.
Division of Gastroenterology/Hepatology, University of Colorado, Denver, USA.
T C
TC
Lin
B M
BM
Bilir
M E
ME
Powis
D000368:Aged; D016099:Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D015905:Gastric Balloon; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007441:Intubation, Gastrointestinal / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged