Blind nasogastric tube insertion : be careful

Abstract EN

Nasogastric tubes are used in all specialties of medical practice.

In critically ill patients, these feeding tubes provide enteral nutrition, which maintains enteric mucosal integrity as well as the immune system of the body, less risk of sepsis and decrease in length of intensive care stay.

The insertion of nasogastric tube (NGT) is being considered as a simple blind bedside procedure but this procedure is not free of complications and can be fatal as these tubes can be malpositioned into the respiratory tract or central nervous system.

Critically ill patients with endotracheal and tracheostomy tube are at particular risk for malpositioning of the nasogastric tubes due to loss of protective reflexes.

Here we report three cases, two intubated and one patient with tracheostomy, in whom the enteral feeding tube was malpositioned into the respiratory system, detected early and a new one inserted in correct position, confirmed by x-ray.

The aim of this report is to increase awareness about malpositioning of gastric feeding tubes, proper confirmation of their positioning, risk factors for malpositioning and its prevention.