Pneumoperitoneum After Jejunostomy Tube Placement Managed by Needle Decompression: A Case Report

Abstract

Percutaneous endoscopic feeding tube placement is a commonly performed procedure in patients who cannot take food by mouth. While it is considered a safe and effective method of providing nutritional support, like any medical procedure, it can lead to complications. Feeding tube placement, including percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy (PEJ), is associated with several complications, including bleeding, site infection, aspiration, buried bumper, tube dislodgement, and pneumoperitoneum. We report a case of a 20-year-old male with multiple medical issues who underwent a PEJ that was complicated by bowel distension. The patient developed tension pneumoperitoneum post-procedure, which was treated with a bedside needle decompression. This case report highlights the significance of promptly recognizing and intervening in complications that may arise during a frequently performed medical procedure, PEJ tube placement, to prevent serious consequences, including bowel ischemia.