Open AccessAn Unusual Complication of Naso-enteral Feeding with Small-diameter Feeding Tubes
Author(s) -
Gilbert R. Schorlemmer,
James W. Battaglini
Publication year - 1984
Publication title -
annals of surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 4.153
H-Index - 309
eISSN - 1528-1140
pISSN - 0003-4932
DOI - 10.1097/00000658-198401000-00018
Subject(s) - medicine , enteral administration , nasotracheal intubation , complication , intubation , tube (container) , feeding tube , surgery , parenteral nutrition , mistake , mechanical engineering , engineering , political science , law
The occurrence of nasotracheal intubation with feeding tubes of various types is well known but poorly documented. The small-diameter feeding tubes currently available for enteral hyperalimentation may be more prone to this complication because of their small size and the rigid guide wire which is required for placement. A high index of suspicion when placing these tubes in patients at risk, use of the wire guide to pass the nasopharynx only, and x-ray verification of tube location prior to usage should avert this potentially life-threatening mistake.