Esophageal obstruction after incomplete removal of a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube

G I Kleiner1, T M Vergara

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, NY 10029, USA.

Insights

A retained percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) bumper caused esophageal obstruction in a child, leading to vomiting and fever. Endoscopic removal successfully resolved the foreign body obstruction without complications.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Medical Device Complications

Background:

  • Foreign body ingestion/retention is a concern in pediatrics.
  • Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tubes are common devices for enteral feeding.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a case of esophageal foreign body retention from a PEG bumper.
  • To highlight diagnostic and management strategies for this rare complication.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of a two-year-old boy with vomiting and fever.
  • Diagnostic imaging (chest x-ray) to identify foreign body.
  • Endoscopic removal of the retained PEG bumper.

Main Results:

  • Chest x-ray confirmed a foreign body in the esophagus.
  • Endoscopic removal of the plastic bumper was successful.
  • The child's symptoms resolved post-procedure.

Conclusions:

  • Retained PEG components can cause significant gastrointestinal issues.
  • Prompt diagnosis and endoscopic intervention are crucial for managing such complications.

Related Concept Videos

Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction01:22

Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction

Esophageal perforation is a severe medical condition characterized by a breach in the integrity of the esophageal wall. This breach can occur due to various factors such as trauma, medical procedures, or underlying diseases. When the esophageal wall is compromised, it allows food, fluids, and digestive juices into the chest cavity or adjacent structures, leading to potential complications and health risks.
The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus.
Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management01:28

Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

Esophageal perforations manifest in various clinical forms, influenced by factors such as the perforation's cause and location (cervical, intrathoracic, or intra-abdominal), the extent of contamination, and potential injury to adjacent mediastinal structures. The timing between the perforation occurrence and treatment initiation also affects the clinical presentation.
Clinical Manifestations:
Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction01:30

Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction

Esophageal strictures involve abnormal narrowing or tightening of the esophagus. They vary in length and severity, ranging from mild constriction to complete obstruction, and are classified as benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management01:26

Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management

Patients with esophageal strictures often experience a range of symptoms. Initially, they may have difficulty swallowing solid foods, which can progress to include liquids. Additional symptoms may involve chest pain or discomfort, regurgitating food and fluids, heartburn, unintentional weight loss, coughing or choking during meals, and hoarseness.
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
Endoscopic Procedures I: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy01:29

Endoscopic Procedures I: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy

An Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is a diagnostic procedure in which an endoscopist uses a flexible, lighted endoscope to visualize the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The procedure includes visualizing the oropharynx, esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine, the duodenum.
During an EGD, the endoscope can be used to:
Pyloric Obstruction01:11

Pyloric Obstruction

Pyloric obstruction, also referred to as gastric outlet obstruction, is a condition characterized by narrowing or blockage at the pylorus—the muscular valve regulating the flow of stomach contents into the duodenum. When this passage becomes impaired, the stomach cannot effectively empty its contents into the small intestine. This disruption leads to a range of gastrointestinal symptoms, including early satiety, bloating, epigastric pain, postprandial nausea, persistent vomiting, and...