The Southern Medical Journal (SMJ) is the official, peer-reviewed journal of the Southern Medical Association. It has a multidisciplinary and inter-professional focus that covers a broad range of topics relevant to physicians and other healthcare specialists.

SMJ // Article

Case Report

Acute Buried Bumper Syndrome

Authors: Qasim Khali, MD, Rizwan Kibria, MD, Salma Akram, MD, FACG

Abstract

Buried bumper syndrome (BBS) is an uncommon complication of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement. This unusual phenomenon occurs when the internal bumper of a PEG tube erodes and migrates through the gastric wall and becomes lodged anywhere between the gastric wall and the skin. If not removed and treated appropriately, it can lead to life-threatening complications. It is considered to be a late complication, with most cases occurring from months to years later. We present an unusual case of a very rapid development of BBS, along with a brief review of contributing factors and treatment recommendations.

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