Esophageal Perforation Due to Nasogastric Tube Insertion: A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: A Nasogastric (NG) tube insertion is a common technique in all neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). In some cases, NG insertion in infants with friable esophageal tissues may lead to some adverse side-effects, although such problems are not commonly seen. Esophageal perforation is a rare but known complication associated with this procedure. Methods: An infant (first child), weighing nearly 2800 gr, underwent elective surgery on the first day of his life; there was no maternal history of diseases and the fetus was born in 39th week of pregnancy. The NG tube was first inserted in the NICU, and the tube, which enters the esophagus at around 5 cm of esophagus, hit a hurdle Results: Simple radiography of thorax was performed after tube insertion, and the tube was detected in the first intra rib; esophageal atresia was suggested. Conclusion: Conservative management in an otherwise uncomplicated case can result in complete recovery in most affected neonates. This case highlights the fact that esophageal perforation can happen due to procedures such as NG tube insertion.