Transbronchial intubation of the right pleural space: a rare complication of nasogastric intubation with a polyvinylchloride tube--a case study

Abstract

Inappropriate intubation of the tracheobronchial tree by a fine-bore nasogastric tube with a metal stylet is a well-known hazard. We report a pulmonary perforation and hydropneumothorax caused by a polyvinylchloride nasogastric tube without a stylet in a child of 13 months. The position of the tube was checked by auscultation before feeding. It would appear that the auscultatory method is inadequate in checking the correct placement of a nasogastric tube in young children. An ordinary nasogastric tube can cause pulmonary perforation.