Unusual complications of long-term percutaneous gastrostomy tubes.
Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) has been popular since it was introduced in 1980. Gastrostomy tubes left in place for long periods often result in unusual complications. Complications may also result from simply replacing a long-term indwelling tube. Five patients who had gastrostomy tubes in place for as long as 4 years are presented and their complications reviewed. Various methods used in treating these complications are discussed, and suggestions for their prevention are given. Gastrointestinal erosion and jejunal perforation following migration of the gastrostomy tube, persistent abdominal wall sinus tracts, and separation of the flange head with small bowel obstruction were encountered. Reinsertion of a gastrostomy tube through a tract prior to adequate maturation was also noted to lead to complications. Complications may result from gastrostomy tubes left in place for extended periods of time and during replacement procedures. Awareness of such complications along with education of caregivers and timely intervention by the endoscopist may prevent such occurrences. In some cases one can only hope to minimize morbidity.
Department of Surgery, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30310, USA. bumperh@msm.edu
Harvey L
HL
Bumpers
Don W D
DW
Collure
Irwin M
IM
Best
Karyn L
KL
Butler
William L
WL
Weaver
Eddie L
EL
Hoover
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005774:Gastrostomy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007441:Intubation, Gastrointestinal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D012086:Reoperation; D013997:Time Factors