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Pneumothorax following Attempted Nasogastric Intubation for Nutritional Support
Author(s) -
Eldar Samuel,
Meguid Michael M.
Publication year - 1984
Publication title -
journal of parenteral and enteral nutrition
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.935
H-Index - 98
eISSN - 1941-2444
pISSN - 0148-6071
DOI - 10.1177/0148607184008004450
Subject(s) - medicine , intubation , pneumothorax , complication , anesthesia , endotracheal intubation , surgery , endotracheal tube
Nasogastric intubation is a routine procedure, performed daily by both medical and nursing staff. It is a simple procedure, but not without complications which can be life threatening. We present an unusual, life threatening complication which occurred when nasogastric intubation using a no. 8 polyurethane tube with its metal stilet resulted in a pneumothorax after intubation of the endotracheal tree in the presence of a cuffed endotracheal tube. We emphasize that the presence of a cuffed endotracheal tube should not be considered a safeguard against pulmonary intubation during nasogastric placement of a feeding catheter. ( Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition 8 :450–452, 1984)