Luqman Baloch, MD
Wilmington, North Carolina
Luqman Baloch, MD
New Hanover Regional Medical Center, Wilmington, NC
Introduction: In 1979 the Gauderer-Ponsky technique was developed to allow endoscopic placement of gastrostomy tubes (G-tubes). The procedure allowed fistulation between the stomach and abdominal wall. G-tubes are often placed for enteral feeding in patients who have either an inability or insufficiency of intake by mouth. Complications of G-tubes are often seen but an overwhelmingly majority of them are minor. At times G-tubes lead to soft tissue & skin infections, colocutaneous fistulas, & visceral perforations. These more serious complications can occur up to 11-15%. Smaller complications such as dislodgement or G-tube dysfunction are far more common.
Case Description/Methods: A 49 year-old male with a past medical history of traumatic brain injury with placement of a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube (G-tube) who presented to the ED after pulling out his G-tube. Unable to place the G-tube back at bedside, interventional radiology reinserted under fluoroscopy. After discharge he presented back to the ED with coffee ground emesis & aspiration. He was noted to have klebsiella pneumonia. Despite being appropriately treated for his pneumonia he continued to have worsening septic shock abdominal distention. CT imaging was positive for large collection of fluid, gas, & contrast filling his peritoneum. Emergent exploratory laparotomy found 6L of peritoneal fluid & a perforated fistulous tract draining into his peritoneal cavity. Meanwhile his abdominal viscera was coated with a white film. Labs & cultures confirmed peritonitis caused by klebsiella, enterococcus, & candida. He received antibiotics and antifungal therapy, required multiple washouts, & surgical correction of the perforation with a wedge gastrectomy.
Discussion: This patient developed a rare & serious complication after G-tube placement. Dislodging the G-tube in a traumatic fashion caused drainage into his peritoneum. Even though the G-tube was replaced under radiographic guidance he developed a terrible case of peritonitis. The rates of complications are statistically the same in radiographically or endoscopically placed G-tubes. This patient required surgical placement of another G-tube along with and a wedge gastrectomy. This complication of fungal peritonitis & aspiration pneumonia show us that G-tubes are not always benign. Endoscopic, surgical, and radiographic techniques may all have a different approach to ensure good outcomes but a patient’s ability to receive good G-tube care is essential in preventing long term complications.
.jpg)
.jpg)
Citation: Luqman Baloch, MD. P0601 - A UNIQUE COMPLICATION OF GASTROSTOMY TUBES. Program No. P0601. ACG 2019 Annual Scientific Meeting Abstracts. San Antonio, Texas: American College of Gastroenterology.