Weight gain after feeding tube placement increases risk of:

• A. Ischemic necrosis of gastric wall
• B. Pressure necrosis and ulceration at the tube site
• C. Buried bumper syndrome
• D. Gastric perforation

Answer: (B)

Continuous pressure from the tube on the gastric wall at the stoma can cause local tissue ischemia, leading to pressure necrosis and ulceration around the tube entry. When a patient gains weight after tube placement, the combination of added mass and potential changes in abdominal wall tension increase traction and compression on the tube tract. This sustained pressure reduces blood flow to the mucosa at the tube site, making ulceration and necrosis more likely. While more extreme complications like perforation or tricky issues such as bur­ied bumper syndrome can occur in related contexts, the most direct and common risk associated with weight-related traction is pressure injury at the tube site. To minimize this risk, ensure proper tube tension with an appropriately spaced external bumper and monitor the stoma for early signs of pressure injury, especially during periods of weight change.