Fragmentation of a Celestin tube causing intestinal obstruction. Case report and review of the literature.

Current management of benign and malignant esophageal lesions has changed little in the past 25 years. Treatment of unresectable lesions has consisted primarily of exclusion and bypass procedures as well as prosthetic intubations for relief of dysphagia. A case of a Celestin tube fragmentation in a patient with unresectable esophageal carcinoma causing small bowel obstruction is presented. Diagnosis, management, and review of the literature are discussed. Recommendations for use of the Celestin tube in patients with good long-term prognoses include keeping a high index of suspicion for possible complications, close and regular radiographic and endoscopic follow-up, and early surgical intervention upon tube fragmentation.