Line It Up -- Inadvertent Placement of Nasogastric Tube in Pleural Space
Resulting in Iatrogenic Empyema
Abstract
Dobhoff tubes, used for post-pyloric feedings, have a weighted metal end
with a small diameter that enhances their flexibility to traverse the
gastrointestinal tract. Unfortunately, the metal stylet can
iatrogenically perforate surrounding structures in patients with
diminished cough and gag (1); and extreme caution should be considered
before its utilization.