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Intussusception as a complication of gastrostomy tube: a case report

M Hussain1, C R Thambidorai

  • 1Department of Paediatric Surgery, Hospital University Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Tenteram, Cheras, 56000 Kuala Lumpur.

The Medical Journal of Malaysia
|October 21, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Gastrostomy tubes, used for feeding in children, can rarely lead to intussusception, a serious intestinal blockage. This case highlights the importance of recognizing this complication after surgical procedures.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Gastroenterology
  • Clinical Case Reports

Background:

  • Gastroesophageal reflux is common in neurologically impaired children, often requiring surgical intervention.
  • Fundoplication and gastrostomy are procedures to manage severe gastroesophageal reflux and ensure adequate nutrition.
  • Complications associated with these procedures require careful monitoring and timely diagnosis.

Observation:

  • A neurologically impaired child underwent fundoplication and gastrostomy at age three.
  • Two years post-procedure, the patient presented with symptoms of intestinal obstruction.
  • Diagnostic laparotomy revealed antegrade jejuno-jejunal intussusception.

Findings:

  • Intussusception, specifically jejuno-jejunal, was identified as the cause of the intestinal obstruction.
  • The intussusception occurred in an antegrade fashion, moving in the normal direction of digestion.
  • This finding suggests a potential link between the prior gastrostomy placement and the development of intussusception.

Implications:

  • Gastrostomy tube placement, while beneficial, carries a rare risk of causing intussusception in pediatric patients.
  • Clinicians should consider intussusception in the differential diagnosis of intestinal obstruction in children with a history of gastrostomy.
  • Further research may elucidate the precise mechanisms by which gastrostomy tubes predispose to intussusception.

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