[Primary operative gastrostomy or percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) in progressive oesophageal carcinomas? A case report on abdominal wall metastases following PEG]

Abstract

Introduction: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a safe and easy procedure used to provide enteric nourishment in patients with non-operable, constricting, malignant tumors of the oropharynx or esophagus. However, as a late complication, the development of abdominal wall metastases have been described, the mechanism of which is controversially.

Patients and methods: We describe two cases in which abdominal wall metastases developed 9 and 14 months, respectively, following PEG. Both patients suffered from an advanced esophageal carcinoma. One patient had to undergo surgery because of the size of the metastasis. This was followed by several weeks of hospital treatment. The second patient was already in a prefinal condition so that no surgical procedure was performed. Reviewing the current literature, we discuss the question of whether, in certain cases, an operative gastrostomy should be preferred to a PEG.

Results: As in our opinion the reason for abdominal wall metastases is direct tumor seeding, we suggest that in certain cases, in order to avoid a possible metastasis resection, an operative gastrostomy should be discussed. This is particularly relevant if the tumor is constricting with a high risk of losing tumor cells. If possible, a minimal-invasive method is to be preferred.