Misplacement of a nasogastric tube into the postpneumonectomy space

Abstract

Nasogastric tubes cause complications related to traumatic insertion. We reported a case of misplacement of a nasogastric tube into the postpneumonectomy space. A sixty-three-year old male patient was admitted to intensive care unit with the diagnosis of broncho and esophagopleural fistula 3 months after a pneumonectomy. A nasogastric tube had to be inserted immediately for the maintenance therapy of atrial fibrillation by the enteral route, by listening to the sound of air over the abdomen to minimize the risk of misplacement, but gastroscopy revealed that it was in the postpneumonectomy space. We concluded that it is important to verify the exact place of a nasogastric tube radiologically in patients with undiagnosed esophageal pathologies.