Drain tube migration into the anastomotic site of an esophagojejunostomy for gastric small cell carcinoma: short report

BACKGROUND: Intraluminal migration of a drain through an anastomotic site is a rare complication of gastric surgery. CASE PRESENTATION: We herein report the intraluminal migration of a drain placed after a lower esophagectomy and total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y anastomosis for gastric small cell carcinoma. Persistent drainage was noted 1 month after surgery, and radiographic studies were consistent with drain tube migration. Endoscopy revealed the drain had migrated into the esophagojejunostomy anastomotic site. The drain was removed from outside of abdominal wound while observing the anastomotic site endoscopically. The patient was treated with suction via a nasogastric tube drain for 5 days, and thereafter had an uneventful recovery. CONCLUSIONS: Though drain tube migration is a rare occurrence, it should be considered in patients with persistent drainage who have undergone gastric surgery.