Distension of intestinal tube balloons causing small bowel obstruction

Intestinal tubes used for the relief of intestinal obstruction can, although rarely, lead to obstruction themselves when the mercury balloon becomes distended with gas or fluid. The mode of distension differs between single and double lumen tubes. Radiographically, there is lack of advancement of the tube tip and persistent small bowel distension. An oval or sausage-shaped lucency is present around the tube tip when the balloon is filled with gas. If the balloon is filled with fluid, oral contrast is necessary to allow its visualization. Percutaneous needle balloon puncture is often necessary to relieve gaseous distension of the balloon of a single lumen intestinal tube, while aspiration of the balloon port is usually successful with the double lumen type. We report on two patients with bowel obstruction from intestinal tubes.