SEVEN CASES OF HEPATIC PORTAL VENOUS GAS AFTER PERCUTANEOUS ENDOSCOPIC GASTROSTOMY

Abstract

Although percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is safe, hepatic portal venous gas may develop, resulting in death. Among 266 patients who underwent PEG at our hospital, seven developed hepatic portal venous gas. However, all the patients were stable, did not develop gastrointestinal ischemia or peritonitis, and improved with conservative treatment. Fever, nausea, and vomiting are often seen as associated symptoms. Therefore, hepatic portal venous gas should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with fever, nausea, or vomiting. Stable patients without gastrointestinal ischemia or peritonitis may improve with conservative treatment.