title: A nasogastric tube inserted into the gastrocutaneous fistula.
abstract: We reported a case in which a nasogastric tube was inserted into the gastrocutaneous fistula, diagnosed by abdominal computed tomography. A 78-year-old man with a history of recurrent cerebral hemorrhage had a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube due to dysphagia for 2 years. However, soft tissue infection at the gastrostomy site caused the removal of the tube. Immediately, antibiotic agents were infused. For appropriate hydration and medication, a nasogastric tube was inserted. However, there was no significant improvement of the soft tissue infection. Moreover, the amount of bloody exudate increased. Abdominal computed tomography revealed the nasogastric tube placed under the patient's skin via gastrocutaneous fistula. The nasogastric tube was removed, and an antibiotic agents were maintained. After 3 weeks, the signs of infection fully improved, and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy was performed again. This case shows necessities of an appropriate interval between removal of the gastrostomy tube and insertion of a nasogastric tube, and suspicion of existence of gastrocutaneous fistula.
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 130-709, Korea.
authors.forename: Yang Soo
authors.initials: YS
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Joon Sung
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: In Hee
authors.initials: IH
authors.lastname: Yu
authors.forename: Ji Young
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Jeong
authors.forename: Sung Hee
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Jung
authors.forename: Yil Ryun
authors.initials: YR
authors.lastname: Jo
authors.forename: Myung Eun
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Chung