An unusual complication of passing a narrow bore nasogastric tube.
A care of oesophageal perforation and aspiration of a pleural effusion by a narrow bore nasogastric tube is reported. The presence of cardiac enlargement was thought to be a precipitating cause. It is suggested that insufflation of air with auscultation over the epigastrium and aspiration of narrow bore tubes, as well as chest X-ray, should be carried out routinely to establish the position of such tubes prior to commencing feeding.
D000368:Aged; D004939:Esophageal Perforation / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007441:Intubation, Gastrointestinal / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000209:etiology