Open AccessBeware of the malformed nasogastric tube
Author(s) -
Rakesh Garg,
Puneet Khanna,
Siva Kumaran S,
Abraham Sonny
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
bmj case reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.231
H-Index - 26
ISSN - 1757-790X
DOI - 10.1136/bcr.10.2008.1030
Subject(s) - medicine , tube (container) , complication , intubation , surgery , mechanical engineering , engineering
Untoward events with faulty instruments and apparatus are well known and if not recognised can be disastrous. We present a case of a faulty nasogastric tube having both ends sharp-edged and closed with a detachable blocker. In our case, had we inserted the faulty nasogastric tube, the impact of the blocker, although small, in the tract could have eroded the nasal/oesophageal/gastric mucosa causing its sequalae. Thus, we would like to emphasise the need to check all instruments before using them to prevent any catastrophic complication.