Gastrostomy tube migration causing gastric outlet obstruction and gastric perforation in children—two case reports

Gastrostomy creation is a common procedure in paediatric surgery. It provides enteral nutrition to patients who cannot achieve adequate nutrition by mouth. Common indications of gastrostomy placement in children include syndromic or neurodevelopmental diseases, severe malformations of the aerodigestive tract, craniofacial abnormalities, and intractable gastroesophageal reflux disease with recurrent aspiration. It is also indicated in patients who suffer from failure to thrive and require extra caloric intake. In contrast to adults, paediatric patients have a weaker ability to complain about problems with their gastrostomy tubes when they occur, in particular when some of these neurological patients are non-communicable. Complications may arise when migration of the catheter goes unnoticed, causing obstruction. Due to the smaller stomach size, thinner gastric wall and narrower gastric outlet in paediatric patients, obstruction from the gastrostomy balloon may result in serious sequelae. Here we present two unusual but serious complications of gastrostomy tubes causing suspected duodenal obstruction and subsequent gastric perforation in paediatric patients, requiring emergency operations. Furthermore, we would like to emphasize the importance of proper gastrostomy tube care and alert the caretakers of the potential sinister complications that can arise. We would also like to take this opportunity to suggest measures to prevent their occurrence.