Conservative management of migrated percutaneous endoscopic colostomy tube

A 68-year-old male nursing home resident presented following dislodgement of a percutaneous endoscopic colostomy (PEC) tube originally sited to prevent recurrent sigmoid volvulus. Computed tomography demonstrated tube migration into the lumen of the recto-sigmoid junction, where it remained for 12 days before passing spontaneously. During this period, the patient remained asymptomatic; the residual colocutaneous fistula functioned as a decompressive valve. Originally, the patient was due to be discharged with early flexible sigmoidoscopy follow-up. However, complex social issues delayed discharge. During his admission, a second PEC tube was successfully inserted next to the previous colostomy site without complication. This is an unusual case and no similar episodes of asymptomatic PEC migration have been reported. We demonstrate that such cases may be offered an appropriate trial of conservative management. Here, we describe our experience and critically appraise the literature.