Pneumothorax complicating enteral feeding tube placement.
Two cases are presented of pneumothorax complicating enteral feeding tube insertion. A previous report describing three similar cases is noted. Neurologically impaired patients appear to be particularly at risk for this complication, which may be encouraged by use of a guidewire during tube insertion. It is suggested that enteral feeding tubes in neurologically impaired patients be inserted under fluoroscopic guidance using a tube specifically designed for this purpose.
D000368:Aged; D004750:Enteral Nutrition / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007441:Intubation, Gastrointestinal / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011030:Pneumothorax / Q000209:etiology*