Skin level division of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy without endoscopy retrieval: a hazardous procedure.

ABSTRACT

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) has become the method of choice for long-term enteral access in the pediatric population. Since its introduction, several common complications have been described. Less well known is the danger of removing or replacing a PEG by cutting the device at skin level without endoscopic assistance to ensure the complete removal of all parts. The aim of the present work is to describe a patient in whom gastrostomy parts were retained after PEG removal, causing bowel obstruction and perforation.