Line it up—Inadvertent placement of nasogastric tube in pleural space resulting in iatrogenic empyema

Abstract

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.

Keywords

• feeding tube
• malposition
• nasogastric tube
• perforation