Splenic Avulsion Following PEG Tube Placement: A Rare but Serious Complication.

ABSTRACT

Placement of a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube is a common procedure to allow for enteral nutrition in patients with multiple indications. PEG tube placement is a safe procedure with minor complications such as site infection and irritation. One of the more severe complications is splenic laceration, which may result in intra-peritoneal bleeding and manifest as an acute abdomen. We present a rare case of intra-abdominal bleeding secondary to catastrophic splenic injury 12 hours after PEG tube placement resulting in hemodynamic compromise. The patient underwent splenectomy and had an uneventful recovery.