Gastrocolocutaneous Fistula as a complication of peg tube placement

Surg Endosc. 2002 Mar;16(3):538-9. doi: 10.1007/s00464-001-4135-8. Epub 2002 Jan 9.

Abstract

A gastrocolocutaneous fistula after placement of a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube is a rare complication. This fistula is defined as an epithelial connection between the mucosa of the stomach, colon, and skin. We present an interesting case in which a PEG tube was placed inadvertently through the colon. During a subsequent fever workup, an abdominal computed tomography scan suggested that the feeding tube had traversed the colon. Gastrograffin enema and colonoscopy confirmed the location of the misplaced feeding tube. We review the clinical presentation, diagnosis, errors in procedural technique, and treatment of gastrocolocutaneous fistulas.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Colonic Diseases / diagnosis
  • Colonic Diseases / etiology*
  • Colonoscopy
  • Contrast Media
  • Cutaneous Fistula / diagnosis
  • Cutaneous Fistula / etiology*
  • Diatrizoate Meglumine
  • Enteral Nutrition / adverse effects*
  • Gastric Fistula / diagnosis
  • Gastric Fistula / etiology*
  • Gastrostomy / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Fistula / diagnosis
  • Intestinal Fistula / etiology*
  • Male
  • Medical Errors

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Diatrizoate Meglumine