Esofagitis necrotizante aguda / Acute necrotizing esophagitis / Esofagite necrotizante aguda

La esofagitis necrotizante aguda es un trastorno poco común que puede ser causa de hemorragia digestiva alta. Predomina en el sexo masculino en la sexta década de la vida. El diagnóstico es endoscópico y muestra una mucosa esofágica de apariencia negra que afecta al esófago distal en toda su circunferencia y se detiene abruptamente en la unión gastroesofágica. Clínicamente suele presentarse con hematemesis y melenas, shock hipovolémico por sangrado masivo, siendo otras manifestaciones el dolor epigástrico, molestia retroesternal y disfagia. Se vincula a pacientes con antecedentes de enfermedad cardiovascular, alcoholismo, diabetes mellitus, desnutrición, hernia hiatal, estenosis gastroduodenal, cáncer, así como pacientes en shock, traumatizados, sometidos a cirugía mayor e inmunosuprimidos. El tratamiento se basa en fluidoterapia, inhibidores de la bomba de protones y suspensión de la vía oral, siendo controvertido el uso de antibioticoterapia. Su pronóstico es malo y dependerá de la gravedad de la enfermedad esofágica y del terreno del paciente, con una mortalidad de hasta el 36 %. Presentamos el caso clínico de un paciente de 81 años, hipertenso, que presenta hematemesis, confirmándose en la endoscopía una esofagitis necrotizante aguda, que evoluciona favorablemente con tratamiento médico.

Acute necrotizing esophagitis is a rare disorder that can cause upper gastrointestinal bleeding. It predominates in males in the sixth decade of life. The diagnosis is endoscopic and shows a black-appearing esophageal mucosa that affects the entire circumference of the distal esophagus and stops abruptly at the gastroesophageal junction. Usually, patients present with hematemesis and melena, with other manifestations such as epigastric pain, retrosternal discomfort, dysphagia, and hypovolemic shock. Almost all patients reported comorbidities: cardiovascular disease, alcoholism, diabetes mellitus, malnutrition, hiatal hernia, gastroduodenal stenosis, and malignant neoplasia; is related as well to patients with shock, trauma, undergoing major surgery, and immunosuppression. The treatment is based on fluid reposition, proton pump inhibitors and suspension of the oral route, the use of antibiotic therapy being controversial. Its prognosis is poor and will depend on the severity of the esophageal disease and the patient comorbidities, with a mortality rate up to 36 %. Case: A 81-year-old male patient with hypertension, who presented hematemesis, confirmed by endoscopy as acute necrotizing esophagitis, whose evolution was favorable with medical treatment.

A esofagite necrosante aguda é uma doença rara que pode causar hemorragia digestiva alta. Predomina no sexo masculino na sexta década de vida. O diagnóstico é endoscópico e mostra uma mucosa esofágica circunferencial difusa com aspecto preto que envolve quase universalmente o esôfago distal e para abruptamente na junção gastroesofágica. Clinicamente, geralmente se apresenta com hematêmese e melena, com outras manifestações sendo dor epigástrica, desconforto retroesternal, disfagia e choque hipovolêmico. Está relacionado a pacientes com histórico de doenças cardiovasculares, alcoolismo, diabetes mellitus, desnutrição, hérnia hiatal, estenose gastroduodenal e neoplasia maligna, bem como pacientes em choque, trauma, cirurgia de grande porte e imunossupressão. O tratamento é a medicação dietética higiênica baseada em fluidoterapia, inibidores da bomba de prótons e suspensão da via oral, sendo o uso de antibioticoterapia controverso. Seu prognóstico é ruim e dependerá da gravidade da doença esofágica e do terreno do paciente, com mortalidade de até 36 %. Apresentamos o caso clínico de um paciente hipertenso de 81 anos que apresentou hematêmese, confirmada por endoscopia como esofagite necrosante aguda, que evoluiu favoravelmente com tratamento higiênico-dietético e medicamentoso.

Intususcepción yeyunogástrica retrógrada en un paciente con historia de gastroyeyunostomía hace 20 años: reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura / Retrograde jejunogastric intussusception in a patient with underlying history of gastrojejunostomy 20 years ago: Case report and literature review

Resumen La intususcepción yeyunogástrica es una complicación rara, pero potencialmente fatal de acuerdo con el momento de su diagnóstico e intervención. Debido a su baja incidencia, se requiere de una alta sospecha diagnóstica, basada en la clínica y los antecedentes quirúrgicos. En el presente reporte se expone el caso de un paciente de 74 años, con historia de gastroyeyunostomía y cerclaje duodenal realizados como parte del manejo de úlcera duodenal 20 años atrás. Se presentó por urgencias luego de 7 días de inicio de los síntomas caracterizados por dolor, intolerancia a la vía oral y hematemesis. Su diagnóstico se realizó mediante endoscopia de vías digestivas altas y su manejo definitivo, mediante gastrectomía subtotal y reconstrucción en Y de Roux transmesocólica por laparotomía.

Abstract Retrograde jejunogastric intussusception is a rare but potentially fatal complication, according to the time of diagnosis and intervention. Due to its low incidence, a high diagnostic suspicion is required, based on the clinical and surgical history. This study presents the case of a patient of 74 years old with a history of gastrojejunostomy and duodenal cerclage performed as part of duodenal ulcer treatment 20 years ago. The patient was admitted to the emergency unit, after 7 days of having symptoms such as pain, intolerance to oral intake, and hematemesis. Diagnosis was performed by upper digestive tract endoscopy and the final treatment by subtotal gastrectomy and transmesocolic Roux-en-Y reconstruction by laparotomy.

Ligadura de varices esofágicas por videoendoscopia en pacientes con hemorragia digestiva alta / Ligature of varicose veins by videoendoscopy in patients with upper digestive bleeding

Introducción: Las varices esofágicas son canales vasculares que unen la circulación venosa portal y la sistémica. Se forman como consecuencia de la hipertensión portal, predominantemente en la submucosa del tercio inferior del esófago. Objetivo: Caracterizar a pacientes con rotura de varices esofágicas según principales variables clinicoepidemiológicas y terapéutico-endoscópicas. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y longitudinal de 20 pacientes con hemorragia digestiva alta por rotura de varices esofágicas, los cuales recibieron tratamiento endoscópico con bandas elásticas en el Servicio de Gastroenterología del Hospital General Docente Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso de Santiago de Cuba, de noviembre de 2016 a febrero de 2018. En el análisis estadístico se utilizó el porcentaje como medida de resumen y se aplicó la prueba de independencia de la Χ2 para identificar alguna asociación significativa entre variables. Resultados: Existió un predominio del sexo masculino (80,0 %) y del grupo etario de 51 a 60 años (40,0 %). La mayoría de los afectados presentó cirrosis hepática (60,0 %) como causa de la hipertensión portal y hematemesis (50,0 %) como forma de hemorragia digestiva alta; asimismo, el gran tamaño de las varices fue el principal factor de riesgo asociado a la rotura (70,0 %) y, luego de practicado el tratamiento endoscópico, no se produjo resangrado en la casi totalidad de los pacientes (95,0 %). Conclusiones: La aplicación de este procedimiento terapéutico resultó ser satisfactoria y no provocó complicación alguna.

Introduction: The esophageal varicose veins are vascular channels that unite the portal venous and systemic circulation. They are formed as consequence of the portal hypertension, predominantly in the submucosa of the inferior section of the esophagus. Objective: To characterize patients with break of esophageal varicose veins according to main clinical epidemiological and therapeutic-endoscopic variables. Methods: An observational, descriptive and longitudinal study of 20 patients with upper digestive bleeding due to break of esophageal varicose veins was carried out, they received endoscopic treatment with banding in the Gastroenterology Service of Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso Teaching General Hospital in Santiago de Cuba, from November, 2016 to February, 2018. In the statistical analysis the percentage was used as summary measure and the chi-square test was applied to identify the existence of some significant association among variables. Results: There was a prevalence of the male sex (80.0 %) and the 51 to 60 age group (40.0 %). Most of the patients presented liver cirrhosis (60.0 %) as cause of the portal hypertension and hematemesis (50.0 %) as form of upper digestive bleeding; also, the great size of the esophageal varicose veins was the main risk factor associated with the break (70.0 %) and, after the implementation of the endoscopic treatment, there was no second bleeding in almost all the patients (95.0 %). Conclusions: The application of this therapeutic procedure was satisfactory and it didn't cause any complication.

Esófago negro como causa de hemorragia digestiva alta: reporte de un caso / Black esophagus as a cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding: a case report

Resumen La esofagitis necrotizante aguda es una entidad poco común que afecta sobre todo a ancianos. La presentación clínica más común es hemorragia digestiva alta. El pronóstico depende de las enfermedades de base con una mortalidad de hasta el 50 %. Se presenta el caso de un varón de 77 años con historia de una semana de melena, 3 episodios de hematemesis y epigastralgia. La endoscopia digestiva alta reveló una mucosa con necrosis en parches y fibrina en el esófago medio y distal. La biopsia de esófago fue compatible con necrosis de mucosa.

Abstract Acute necrotizing esophagitis is a rare entity that affects mainly elderly patients. The most common clinical presentation is upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The prognosis depends on the underlying diseases, with a mortality of up to 50%. This is the case of a 77-year-old male patient who presented with melena, three episodes of hematemesis, and epigastric pain for a week. Upper endoscopy revealed mucosa with spotty necrosis and fibrin in the middle and distal esophagus. Esophageal biopsy was compatible with mucosal necrosis.

Cuidados de Enfermería en pacientes con hemorragia digestiva que ingresan a la Unidad Técnica de Gastroenterología

La Hemorragia Digestiva (HD) es la pérdida o extravasación de sangre que se origina en cualquier segmento del tubo digestivo, alcanzando la luz esófago-gástrica, intestinal o colónica, constituye un problema frecuente de salud en el mundo y es considerada como causa mayor de morbimortalidad. En la mayoría de los casos la hemorragia digestiva se presenta de manera aguda y con importantes repercusiones sistémicas como hematemesis, melenas, hematoquecia, rectorragia, es importante tomar en cuenta la edad del paciente, comorbilidades, volumen, evolución y origen de la hemorragia digestiva, para determinar medidas urgentes en la estabilización de los pacientes, así como los cuidados de enfermería que se van a proporcionar con el propósito de minimizar la hemorragia y mantener la estabilidad hemodinámica. La Hemorragia Digestiva Alta (HDA) representa la emergencia médica gastroenterológica más frecuente en el mundo, con una prevalencia de 150 por 100 000 adultos por año con una mortalidad entre 10,0% al 20,0%, la Hemorragia Digestiva Baja (HDB) es potencialmente mortal, y puede manifestarse como anemia ferropénica, sangre en heces o hematoquecia; en el Ecuador en el año 2017 según el Instituto Nacional de Estadísticas y Censos (INEC), se reporta un ingreso hospitalario con CIE10 K922 (hemorragia digestiva no especificada) de 2 462 pacientes, con un total de egresos vivos de 2 375, y un total de 87 pacientes fallecidos; en el Hospital de Especialidades Carlos Andrade Marín del año 2017 al 2019 los pacientes con sangrado digestivo alto representan una mortalidad del 3,5 al 10,0% 1. La ruta planteada orienta al personal de Enfermería sobre la evolución, evaluación y manejo de los pacientes adultos con hemorragia digestiva.

Digestive Hemorrhage (HD) is the loss or extravasation of blood that originates in any segment of the digestive tract, reaching the esophagus-gastric, intestinal or colonic lumen, it is a frequent health problem in the world and is considered as a major cause of morbidity and mortality. In most cases, digestive bleeding occurs acutely and with significant systemic repercussions such as hematemesis, melena, hematochezia, rectal bleeding, it is important to take into account the age of the patient, comorbidities, volume, evolution and origin of digestive bleeding, to determine urgent measures in the stabilization of patients, as well as the nursing care that will be provided in order to minimize bleeding and maintain hemodynamic stability. Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding (HDA) represents the most frequent gastroenterological medical emergency in the world, with a prevalence of 150 per 100 000 adults per year with a mortality between 10,0% to 20,0%, Low Gastrointestinal Bleeding (HDB) is life-threatening, and may ma- nifest as iron deficiency anemia, blood in stool, or hematochezia; in Ecuador in 2017 according to the National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (INEC), a hospital admission with ICD10 K922 (unspecified gastrointestinal bleeding) of 2 462 patients was reported, with a total of 2 375 living discharges, and a total of 87 deceased patients; In the Carlos Andrade Marín Specialties Hospital from 2017 to 2019, patients with upper digestive bleeding represent a mortality of 3,5 to 10,0% 1. The proposed route guides nursing staff on the evolution, evaluation and management of adult patients with gastrointestinal bleeding.

Hematoma disecante del esófago a causa de abdomen agudo quirúrgico / Dissecting Hematoma of the Esophagus due to Acute Surgical Abdomen

RESUMEN El hematoma disecante del esófago es poco frecuente y solo existen pocos casos registrados en la literatura. Generalmente, se presenta después de un trauma asociado a procedimientos endoscópicos o de forma espontánea. Se describe clínicamente con la triada clásica de dolor torácico, odinofagia, disfagia o hematemesis. Se ha relacionado con un aumento rápido de la presión intraesofágica o un mecanismo de deglución anómala particularmente en presencia de trastornos de la hemostasia. La mayoría de los pacientes tienen un buen pronóstico pues resuelven con tratamiento conservador. Presentamos el caso clínico de un paciente con diagnóstico de hematoma disecante de esófago con ruptura a cavidad abdominal que causó hemoperitoneo importante. Se realiza una revisión del tema(AU)

ABSTRACT Dissecting hematoma of the esophagus is a rare condition and there are only few cases reported by the literature. Generally, it occurs after trauma associated with endoscopic procedures or spontaneously. It is described clinically with the classic triad of chest pain, odynophagia, dysphagia or hematemesis. It has been associated with a rapid increase in intra-esophageal pressure or an abnormal swallowing mechanism particularly in the presence of haemostasis disorders. Most patients have a good prognosis because they obtain a solution by means of a conservative treatment. We present the clinical case of a patient with a diagnosis of dissecting hematoma of the esophagus with rupture to the abdominal cavity causing significant hemoperitoneum. A review of the subject is carried out(AU)

Endoscopic Diagnosis of Aortoesophageal Fistula Not Presenting Hematemesis / 대한소화기학회지

Aortoesophageal fistula (AEF) is an extremely rare but lethal cause of massive gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Characteristic symptoms are mid-thoracic pain, sentinel minor hemorrhage, and massive hemorrhage after a symptom-free interval. Prompt diagnosis and immediate treatments are necessary to reduce mortality. However, AEF is difficult to diagnose because it is uncommon and often leads to death with massive bleeding before proper evaluation. We report a case of endoscopic diagnosis of AEF that did not present with hematemesis; it was treated with thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) and surgery. A 71-year-old female presented to the emergency department with epigastric discomfort. Endoscopy demonstrated a submucosal tumor-like protrusion and pulsating mass with blood clots. Contrast-enhanced chest CT confirmed AEF due to descending thoracic aortic aneurysm. The patient immediately underwent TEVAR to prevent massive bleeding and subsequently underwent surgery. Endoscopists should consider AEF if they see a submucosal tumor-like mass with a central ulcerative lesion or a pulsating protrusion covered with blood clots in mid-esophagus during an endoscopy.

Management of upper gastrointestinal bleeding

This paper will describe the common symptoms, signs and causes of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. We will then provide advice on the management of upper gastrointestinal bleeding at primary care level

Phytochemical Constituents of the Root Bark from Morus alba and Their Il-6 Inhibitory Activity

Morus alba L., known as white mulberry, is a medicinal plant belongs to family Moraceae. It has long been used commonly in Ayurvedic for the treatment of lung-heat, cough, asthma, hematemesis, dropsy and hypertension. In the present study, seven prenylated flavonoids, along with four benzofuran compounds were isolated by means of repeated column chromatography. The structures of the known compounds were identified as kuwanon G (1), kuwanon E (2), kuwanon T (3), morusin (4), sanggenon A (5), sanggenon M (6), sanggenol A (7), moracin R (8), mulberofuran G (9), mulberofuran A (10) and mulberofuran B (11), by comparing their spectroscopic data with those reported in the literature. For these isolates, containing trace compounds, the inhibitory activity against IL-6 production in TNF-α stimulated MG-63 cells was examined. All isolated compounds (1

Ruptured Internal Carotid Artery Pseudoaneurysm 10 Years after Cervical Spine Surgery

An iatrogenic internal carotid artery (ICA) pseudoaneurysm is an extremely rare complication of cervical spine surgery. Here we report an extraordinary case of massive hematemesis due to a ruptured ICA pseudoaneurysm caused by the laminoplasty plate 10 years after cervical spine surgery. Computed tomography angiography revealed a ruptured 4×10-mm left extracranial ICA pseudoaneurysm probably connected to the pharynx. Emergent surgery was performed because of the uncontrolled massive bleeding. After complete resection of the injured segment, an interposition graft with a 6-mm polytetrafluoroethylene graft was placed and the fistula tract to the pharynx was repaired.

Staged Surgical Treatment of Primary Aortoesophageal Fistula / 대한흉부외과학회지

Aortoesophageal fistula (AEF) is a rare and potentially fatal disease that causes massive gastrointestinal bleeding. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent mortality. Controlling the massive bleeding is the most important aspect of treating AEF. The traditional surgical treatment was emergent thoracotomy, but intraoperative or perioperative mortality was high. We report a case of a patient presenting with hematemesis who was successfully treated by a staged treatment, in which bridging thoracic endovascular aortic repair was followed by delayed surgical repair of the esophagus and aorta.

A case of gastroduodenal ulcer complicating Kawasaki disease

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a systemic vasculitis associated with various clinical manifestations and complications, such as gastrointestinal abnormalities. We report a 3-year-old boy who presented with hematemesis and diffuse gastroduodenal ulcerations complicating KD. He received standard medical therapy for the disease and gastric ulcer, which showed effect after a few days. Although rare, peptic ulcers should be considered a complication of KD to ensure early diagnosis and treatment as it may cause severe morbidity.

A Large Epiphrenic Esophageal Diverticulum Communicating with the Left Lower Lobe / 대한흉부외과학회지

Epiphrenic diverticula are known to cause a series of complications. We report the case of a 54-year-old woman who was diagnosed with an epiphrenic diverticulum at a regular checkup in November 2006. Ten years later, she presented with massive hematemesis. Imaging studies revealed an epiphrenic diverticulum measuring 7.8 cm in diameter and a large amount of bleeding inside the diverticulum. Computed tomography showed fistula formation between the diverticulum and the left lower lobe of the lung, leading to the development of a pulmonary abscess. Diverticulectomy and 180° posterior partial fundoplication were performed transabdominally. The pulmonary abscess was treated with antibiotics alone. She was discharged 16 days after the operation without any complications over 7 months of follow-up.

Gastric Duplication Cyst Presenting as Massive Gastrointestinal Bleeding / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

Gastric duplication cysts (GDCs) are rare congenital anomalies. Presentation of GDCs varies from an asymptomatic abdominal mass to fulminant or massive gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. Herein, we describe a case of a GDC in a 10-month-old infant presenting with unexplained massive GI hemorrhage and hematemesis. An abdominal ultrasound was negative, while computerized tomography was, initially, inaccessible. Through a series of repeated esophagogastroduodenoscopies, we documented penetration of the GDC into the gastric cavity that was later confirmed by computerized tomography. The patient was treated successfully with surgical resection.

Portal Hypertension of a Delayed Onset Following Liver Abscesses in a 12-Month-Old Infant: A Case Report and Review of the Literature / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

We report a 12-month-old female infant who had a history of neonatal sepsis with liver micro-abscesses that resolved with intravenous antibiotics during neonatal period. During her neonatal admission period, no umbilical vein catheter was inserted. Also, she did not undergo any abdominal surgeries or had a postnatal history of necrotizing enterocolitis. However, the child developed upper gastrointestinal bleeding in form of hematemesis and melena secondary to esophageal varices at the age of 12 months with an extra-hepatic portal vein obstruction with cavernous transformation and portal hypertension subsequently. The child underwent a successful endoscopic injection sclerotherapy. She is now 20-month-old and has portal hypertension but otherwise asymptomatic. We are proposing the possibility of a delayed-onset portal hypertension as a complication of liver abscess and neonatal sepsis.

Tratamiento del sangrado digestivo alto / Upper digestive tract bleeding treatment

El sangrado digestivo alto (SDA) se define como la presencia de sangre en el tracto digestivo alto, proveniente de la mucosa o vasos sanguíneos que se localizan entre el esófago y el ángulo de Treitz. Las principales manifestaciones clínicas asociadas al SDA están dadas por la presencia de hematemesis, melena y en algunos casos hematoquezia, esta última relacionada con sangrados que cursan con aceleración del tránsito intestinal. En el Hospital de Especialidades Carlos Andrade Marín el SDA es un motivo frecuente de consulta en urgencias, que implica además un importante número de ingresos tanto al área crítica de Urgencias, Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos y hospitalización. La mortalidad por esta causa es variable, se estima en 3,5% al 10,0% y esta depende sobre todo de la edad del paciente y sus posibles enfermedades asociadas, la cuantía del sangrado y los hallazgos que se encuentren durante la realización del procedimiento endoscópico. El sangrado digestivo alto es autolimitado o cesa espontáneamente en el 80,0% de los casos. La causa más frecuente es la hemorragia por úlcera péptica (25,0% ulcera duodenal­23,0% ulcera gástrica). Con este protocolo clínico buscamos normar el manejo hospitalario de los pacientes que ingresan al área de Urgencias con el fin de unificar criterios que conlleven al manejo adecuado de los pacientes con sangrado digestivo alto.

Upper digestive tract bleeding (SDA) is defined as the presence of blood in the upper digestive tract, coming from the mucosa or blood vessels that are located between the esophagus and the Treitz angle. The main clinical manifestations associated with SDA are given by the presence of hematemesis, melena and in some cases hematochezia, the latter related to bleeding that occurs with the acceleration of intestinal transit. In the Hospital of Specialties Carlos Andrade Marín, the SDA is a frequent reason for consultation in the emergency room, which also implies an important number of admissions to the critical area of Emergency, Intensive Care Unit and hospitalization. Mortality from this cause is variable, it is estimated at 3,5% to 10,0% and this depends above all on the age of the patient and their possible associated diseases, the amount of bleeding and the findings that are found during the performance of the endoscopic procedure. High digestive bleeding is self-limiting or ceases spontaneously in 80,0% of cases. The most frequent cause is peptic ulcer hemorrhage (25,0% duodenal ulcer -23,0% gastric ulcer). With this clinical protocol, we seek to regulate the hospital management of patients who enter the Emergency Department to unify criteria that lead to the proper management of patients with high digestive bleeding.

Coriocarcinoma gástrico primario: reporte de caso / Primary gastric choriocarcinoma: case report

El coriocarcinoma gástrico primario (CGP) es un tumor extremadamente raro, altamente invasivo y de rápida diseminación hematógena. Presentamos el caso de una paciente de 57 años que inicia con cuadro de hematemesis y, progresivamente, se le suman episodios de melena, baja de peso y epigastralgia. Es derivada al Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplásicas en donde se le realizan gastroscopía y biopsia. Así, el análisis histológico reportó patrón sugestivo para CGP; el cual se confirmó al realizarle a la paciente los estudios por imágenes necesarios y llevar a cabo el análisis inmunohistoquímico para gonadotrofina coriónica humana y alfa feto proteína. Posteriormente, a la paciente se le realiza una gastrectomía radical D2 con preservación esplénica y de cola de páncreas. Lamentablemente, su evolución no fue favorable y fallece por la progresión de la enfermedad.

Primary gastric choriocarcinoma (PGC) is an extremely rare and highly invasive tumor with rapid hematogenous spread. We present the case of a 57-year-old female patient who started with hematemesis and progressive episodes of melena, weight loss and epigastralgia. It is derived from the National Institute of Neoplastic Diseases where gastroscopy and biopsy are performed. Histological analysis reported pattern suggestive of PGC; that was confirmed by immunohistochemical analysis for human chorionic gonadotrophin and fetal alpha protein. Subsequently, the patient underwent a radical D2 gastrectomy with splenic preservation and tail of the pancreas preservation. Unfortunately, her evolution was not favorable and died due to the progression of the disease.

Management of Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Site Gastric Ulcer in a Patient with an Esophageal Stricture and Hiatus Hernia

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is commonly performed for feeding difficulties, in patients suffering from complications of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and its treatment, namely radiotherapy and surgery. This case report describes the challenges in hemostasis and subsequent re-establishment of enteral access for feeding, in an elderly patient with a history of NPC, treated surgically, followed by radiotherapy, who presented with massive hematemesis following reinsertion of her PEG shortly after an accidental dislodgement. Her previous nasopharyngectomy, wide field radiation therapy, and radical neck dissection precluded nasogastric tube feeding, and the presence of a large hiatus hernia made reinsertion of a new PEG technically challenging. This case highlights the methods used to overcome the above challenges.