Severe therapy-associated complications have been described only sporadically to date. Possible risks include bleeding due to vascular erosion as well as the formation of an esophagobronchial fistula.
Minor problems are more of a technical nature:
- Sponge dislocation in the oral direction due to accidental traction on the drainage tube
- partial blockage of the sponge and consequently insufficient suction effect
- detachment of the sponge from the drainage tube during system change; extraction using an endoscopic grasping forceps
Tip: Before an elective sponge change, the suction should be turned off for a few hours to facilitate easier sponge extraction.