When a gastrostomy tube goes missing, acute bowel obstruction due to a migrated Foley catheter

Abstract

A gastrostomy is a common procedure for patients with swallowing problems or inability to maintain regular oral nutrition. These gastrostomy tubes need special attention, as complications can occur if the tubes are left unattended. In rare scenarios, these tubes can migrate and cause severe life-threatening difficulties such as bowel obstruction and pancreatitis. We present the case of a 76-year-old quadriplegic woman who had a gastrostomy tube. Suddenly, the tube was missing, and after urgent medical care, the gastrostomy tube was found within her bowel. After successful surgery, she recovered from this incident.