Inadvertent tracheobronchial placement of feeding tubes.

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Seventeen adult patients in whom small-diameter, flexible-tipped feeding tubes had been inadvertently placed in the lung were identified during a 22-month period. In nine patients pneumothorax developed, all cases due to transpleural passage of small-diameter (2.7-mm) feeding tubes. In one of these patients, hydropneumothorax and subsequent empyema developed. Placement of large diameter (4.3-mm) feeding tubes did not lead to pneumothorax but peneumonitis developed in one patient after intrapulmonary instillation of antacid solution. Of the 17 patients, 15 had impaired mental status or diminsihed gag, cough, or swallowing reflexes; the remaining two were pharmacologically sedated during the procedure. Radiographic confirmation of feeding tube placement is essential to avoid these complications, with particular attention paid to the course of the tube.