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Bougie insertion: A common practice with underestimated dangers
D Theodorou1, G Doulami, A Larentzakis
1First Department of Propaedeutic Surgery, University of Athens, Athens Medical School, Hippocration Hospital of Athens, Greece.
Introduction:
Esophageal perforation after bariatric operations is rare. We report two cases of esophageal perforation after bariatric operations indicating the dangers of a common practice - like insertion of esophageal tubes - and we describe our management of that complication.
Presentation Of Case:
A 56 year old woman who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and a 41 year old woman who underwent laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding respectively. In both operations a bougie has been used and led to esophageal perforation.
Discussion:
The insertion of bougie and especially of inflated bougie is a common practice. It is an invasive procedure that in most cases is performed by the anesthesiologist team.
Conclusion:
Bougie insertion is an invasive procedure with risks and should always be attempted under direct supervision of surgical team or should be inserted by a surgeon.
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