The Sengstaken-Blakemore tube (SB tube) is one of the common treatment modalities for controlling hemorrhages form bleeding esophageal varices. Its use is accompanied by numerous complication including impaction of SB tube, a very unusual complication...
The Sengstaken-Blakemore tube (SB tube) is one of the common treatment modalities for controlling hemorrhages form bleeding esophageal varices. Its use is accompanied by numerous complication including impaction of SB tube, a very unusual complication. The author recently experienced an impaction of the SB tube at the gastroesophageal junction, which could not be deflated by removing the clamps and air-suction with a syringe. The gastric balloon was punctured and aspirated endoscopically with submucosal injection needle and then easily removed.