01 February 2006
Haemopneumothorax – a rare complication of a common procedure
M. Nadeem Attar, Yahya Al-Najjar, Santwana Tewari, Santwana Tewari, Ferrah Choudhary, Shuja Punekar, Mohammed Munavvar, Sarfraz KhanCase Rep Clin Pract Rev 2006; 7:111-113 :: ID: 451683
Abstract
Background: Nasogastric tube insertion is a routine, simple and seemingly innocuous procedure. It can cause
unexpected and serious complications. We report a rare case of haemopneumothorax following nasogastric tube insertion and discuss strategies to prevent the complications.
Case Report: A 37 year old with learning difficulty was admitted with a fall. Initial diagnosis was that of Acute Coronary Syndrome for which appropriate treatment was started. He complained of difficulty
in swallowing and a nasogastric tube was passed in order to maintain his nutrition. Chest x-ray
post procedure revealed the tip of the feeding tube in right hemithorax with an air-fluid level.
Intercostal drain was inserted and drained 400 ml of hemorrhagic fluid with resorption of air
leading to full lung expansion.
Conclusions: Nasogastric tube insertion can cause serious complications. It can lead to tracheopulmonary, nasopharyngeal, esophageal and gastric trauma and perforation. These complications are potentially life-threatening and can lead to death. Be cautious while inserting nasogastric tube.
Never push the tube against resistance and while the patient is coughing.
Keywords: Haemopneumothorax, Pneumothorax, nasogastric tube
In Press
27 Jan 2023 : Case report
Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.938548
26 Jan 2023 : Case report
Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.938169
26 Jan 2023 : Case report
Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.939026
26 Jan 2023 : Case report
Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.938982
Most Viewed Current Articles
13 Jul 2022 : Case report
DOI :10.12659/AJCR.936441
Am J Case Rep 2022; 23:e936441
06 Dec 2021 : Case report
DOI :10.12659/AJCR.934406
Am J Case Rep 2021; 22:e934406
23 Feb 2022 : Case report
DOI :10.12659/AJCR.935250
Am J Case Rep 2022; 23:e935250
17 Feb 2022 : Case report
DOI :10.12659/AJCR.934399
Am J Case Rep 2022; 23:e934399