Preventing Retrograde Jejunoduodenogastric Intussusception as a Complication of a Long-Term Indwelling Gastrostomy Tube

Abstract

Gastrostomy tubes are frequently used to provide enteral access in a variety of patient populations. Long-term complications are usually minor and include ulceration of the surrounding skin, clogging or dislodgment of the feeding tube, and superficial abscess; severe long-term complications are rare. Here we report a case of a life-threatening complication from an indwelling gastrostomy tube, specifically retrograde jejunoduodenogastric intussusception. Computed tomography and intraoperative images, as well as a review of literature, provide a detailed picture for diagnosis and treatment. Although feeding tubes are now routine and associated with low morbidity, physicians should remain aware of this potentially lethal complication in order to minimize the increased morbidity and mortality from intussusception and subsequent bowel ischemia.