Pneumothorax from nasoenteric feeding tube insertion. A report of five cases

Abstract

This report describes five patients who developed pneumothorax following misplacement of a nasoenteric feeding tube. Three of the patients required tube thoracostomy. Of these, one was subsequently discharged; one required two chest tubes, yet died 2 days later; the third patient developed a chronic empyema that ultimately required chest wall reconstruction for resolution. The development of pneumothorax from nasoenteric feeding tube misplacement was influenced by the type of tube and the general characteristics of the patients. The use of a cuffed endotracheal tube did not afford protection against misplacement. The significant morbidity and mortality associated with pneumothorax following nasoenteric feeding tube insertion argue for careful evaluation of the clinical setting when considering enteral nutritional support with a nasoenteric feeding tube.