A rare complication of jejunostomy tube: Enteral migration

Abstract

Feeding jejunal tubes provide an excellent method for enteral nutritional support in cases where the oral route is impossible or insufficient for use. However, several complications may result from the placement of the tube. Detachment of the tube and migration through the intestine is a very rare complication. We report herein a 65-year-old male patient in whom a jejunal feeding tube (28-F Pezzer catheter) was placed two months before due to unresectable gastric cancer. He presented with disappearance of the tube and abdominal pain. Radiological investigations showed the tube localized in the lumen of the small intestine and its advancement through the gut. Conservative measures were taken as there was neither intestinal obstruction nor peritonitis. The tube passed spontaneously through the rectum 18 days later. One should be careful during the placement of jejunostomy tubes, and health care providers and patients should be instructed well in the care of feeding enterostomy tubes in order to prevent this complication.