Buried bumper syndrome
| Buried bumper syndrome | |
|---|---|
Upper endoscopy | |
| Treatment | Gastrostomy tube removal |
| Frequency | 0.3–2.4% of people with a G-tube |
Buried bumper syndrome (BBS) is a condition that affects feeding tubes placed into the stomach (
Buried bumper syndrome may be entirely asymptomatic, though tube dysfunction is common. The gastrostomy tube may leak around the entry site, or it may become difficult to infuse feeds, fluids or medications. Less often, bleeding, infection, abscess or peritonitis may occur. Diagnosis is achieved most often with
Signs and symptoms
Buried bumper syndrome may be asymptomatic, especially early in the course. Dysfunction of the tube occurs commonly, including leakage around the insertion site, inability to administer feedings or fluids, or need for more pressure when giving feeds.[1] Buried bumper syndrome may cause abdominal pain or swelling (erythema) at the site of insertion of the PEG tube. Less commonly, buried bumper syndrome may also be complicated by acute infectious illness (sepsis), abscess formation, gastrointestinal bleeding or peritonitis.[2][3] In some cases, the internal bumper may be felt by palpating the abdomen.[2] Inspection of the tube typically reveals an inability to easily rotate the tube.[2]
Cause
Buried bumper syndrome occurs when this internal bumper erodes into the wall of the stomach, sometimes becoming entirely buried within the wall of the stomach. Buried bumper syndrome tends to be a late complication of gastrostomy tube placement, but can rarely occur as early as 1 to 3 weeks after tube placement.[4][5] Most cases occur more than 1 year after initial placement of the PEG tube.[2]
Excessive tightening of the external bumper is the primary risk factor for buried bumper syndrome. Maintaining the external bumper in a loose position may help prevent buried bumper syndrome.[6] Additional risk factors include obesity, medications, poor wound healing, malnutrition, etc. Feeding tubes with soft balloon internal bumpers are less likely to cause buried bumper syndrome, compared with more firm or stiff polyurethane internal bumpers.[citation needed]
Diagnosis
Buried bumper syndrome may be suspected based on features consistent with this disorder. The diagnosis is confirmed either endoscopically (via
Prevention
Prevention consists of maintaining a space of 1–2 cm between the external bumper of the gastrostomy tube and the abdominal wall, which avoids excess pressure of the internal bumper onto the stomach wall. Mobilizing and rotating the tube may prevent mucosal overgrowth and aid in avoiding buried bumper syndrome. Severe cases may lead to death.[citation needed]
Treatment
Treatment of buried bumper syndrome consists of removal of the gastrostomy tube. For mild cases with externally removable tubes, simple external traction may be used to remove the tube. Several different approaches may be utilized, including endoscopy.[8][9] If endoscopic removal is pursued, a new feeding tube may be placed during the same procedure.[10] Where endoscopic removal is not possible, surgery may be necessary (laparoscopic or laparotomy).
Epidemiology
Buried bumper syndrome occurs in 0.3–2.4% of patients. Malnutrition, malignancy, chemoradiation, and corticosteroid therapy are additional risk factors.[citation needed]
History
In 1980, the first percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube was reported, as an alternative to an open surgical placement of feeding tubes. The first cases of buried bumper syndrome were reported in 1988 and 1989.[11] The term "buried bumper syndrome" was first used in 1990.[8]