Unusual Cause of Celestin Tube Obstruction: Internal Hernia of the Latex Wall - Report of Three Cases

Summary

The advent of endoscopy permitted peroral esophageal prosthesis insertion as palliative treatment of malignant dysphagia. Several cases of prosthesis obstruction have been described: a) blocking by food impaction; b) exuberant growth of tumor above or below the tube; c) peptic stenosis above the tube due to reflux esophagitis. The authors report three cases of an unusual cause of Celestin tube obstruction: internal herniation of the latex wall. This hernia can be easily burst with the endoscopic needle. It is suggested that such a hernia can occur with any type of tube introducer which can crush or split the internal wall.

Key words:

Esophageal prosthesis - Tube obstruction - Internal herniation