To date, there have only been isolated reports of major treatment-associated complications. Potential risks include bleeding from vascular erosion and onset of esophagobronchial fistula.
Minor problems tend to be of a technical nature:
- Oral sponge displacement after accidental traction on the drainage tube
- Partial blockage of the sponge resulting in inadequate suction
- Detachment of the sponge from the drainage tube during system replacement; extract with an endoscopic grasper.
Tip: Turn off the suction for a few hours prior to elective sponge replacement to facilitate sponge extraction.