Gaseous Distention of an Intestinal Tube Bag Relieved by Transabdominal Puncture

Excerpt

Indwelling intestinal tubes for decompression of the bowel are commonly used. Modifications of such tubes may also be valuable as jejunal feeding tubes or as transintestinal guides for endoscopy. In the case described here, an old problem of intestinal tubes, gaseous distention of the mercury filled bag, was encountered. Transabdominal needle puncture successfully decompressed the distended bag.

A 50-year-old white woman with a 4-year history of regional enteritis was admitted for increasing symptoms of intestinal obstruction unresponsive to steroid therapy and low residue diet. At physical examination a protuberant and tympanitic abdomen and fullness and tenderness in the right lower