9. PEG Tube Length Discrepancies: A Tale of Millimeters
Sometimes, it’s the smallest changes that hint at the biggest problems. With Buried Bumper Syndrome, one might observe that the external length of the PEG tube seems to have increased, while the internal length appears shorter.
This isn’t an optical illusion. As the internal bumper starts embedding into the stomach wall, the tube gets pulled in, making the external segment seem longer. While a few millimeters’ difference might seem negligible, in the world of PEG tubes, it’s a change that can’t be ignored.
However, the challenge here is the subtlety of this symptom. Without periodic measurements or keen observation, this minor shift can easily be missed. It’s only when combined with other symptoms or upon a routine check that this discrepancy might come to light. (9)
