Abstract

A Sengstaken-Blakemore (S-B) tube, when used approximately, still has a place in the management of acute variceal bleeding, and controls bleeding in 40∼90% of the cases. However its use is accompanied by number of complications such as esophageal ulcer, pulmonary aspiration, and malfunction of the tube, which requires replacement. We recently observed a very unusual complication: the remaining gastric balloon of a S-B tube was broken off in the fundus of stomach by the patient's traction. The gastric balloon was easily and safely removed using an endoscopic snare after deflating the gastric balloon with a needle puncture. (Korean J Gastrointest Endosc 2010;40:249-251)

• Keywords: Sengstaken-Blakemore tube, Snare, Needle puncture