Esophageal bleeding after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy.

Two patients bled significantly following percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy. Panendoscopy in both patients after feeding tube insertion demonstrated lower esophageal mucosal erosions that were not seen on panendoscopy performed just before feeding tube insertion. In one patient, the feeding tube was pulled into place using a string. In the other, the feeding tube was inserted over a guide wire. Traumatic passage of the string, guide wire, or feeding tube crossbar through the esophagus could possibly produce these erosions. This novel cause should be considered in evaluating bleeding after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy.