Dislocated Atkinson tubes: removal and repositioning with a balloon catheter.

Atkinson tubes are inserted endoscopically for palliation of obstructing esophageal carcinoma. A technique was developed to reposition or remove dislocated tubes that involves the use of a dilation balloon catheter. The technique was successful in treating three partially dislocated tubes and one of two completely dislocated tubes (tubes completely dislodged into the stomach). The only complication occurred in two patients who coughed up a small amount of blood.