Conclusion
This is the first published case of pancreatitis secondary to PEG tube
migration in Australian literature. Although this is an uncommon
complication of PEG tubes, obstructive pancreatitis due to PEG tube
migration have previously been described, and therefore should be
considered as a potential cause in a patient with a PEG tube. This also
raises the question of whether there is a role for radiological
confirmation of feeding gastric tubes prior to usage to help prevent
such complications. We know that PEG tubes generally have a balloon or
bumper at the tip to prevent outward migration, and an external bumper
to reduce the risk of inward migration. Other considerations include the
use of a correct tube of appropriate length (perhaps with external
markings to help guide the depth of insertion), and routinely checking
that the external bumper is fit snug to the patient to minimise
migration.5