Gastrocolocutaneous Fistula as a complication of peg tube placement

Abstract

A gastrocolocutaneous fistula after placement of a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube is a rare complication. This fistula is defined as an epithelial connection between the mucosa of the stomach, colon, and skin. We present an interesting case in which a PEG tube was placed inadvertently through the colon. During a subsequent fever workup, an abdominal computed tomography scan suggested that the feeding tube had traversed the colon. Gastrograffin enema and colonoscopy confirmed the location of the misplaced feeding tube. We review the clinical presentation, diagnosis, errors in procedural technique, and treatment of gastrocolocutaneous fistulas.