Thoracic complications of nasogastric tube: review of safe practice.
OBJECTIVE
Insertion of a nasogastric tube, though a common clinical procedure, can produce unexpected complications. We sought to analyse the procedure, and explore means to improve its safety.


METHODS
We present a case with a thoracic complication. We review the English literature for the range of complications, and collate all available clinical tests used to confirm enteric placement.


RESULTS
We discuss the short-comings of the usual clinical tests and emphasise the more recent, but less mainstream, procedures that introduce more objectivity to the enteric tube placement.


CONCLUSIONS
We provide summary points to guide the clinician in everyday practice.
Division of Cardiac Surgery, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, Toronto General Hospital, 200 Elizabeth Street, Toronto, Canada M5G 2C4. jain_freeman@hotmail.com
Jain Bhaskara
JB
Pillai
Annette
A
Vegas
Stephanie
S
Brister