Misplacement of Nasogastric Tube in Two Different Cases: Case Report

Abstract

Although the insertion of nasogastric tube has been described as an easy and simple procedure, it may cause severe complications and death. It is therefore important to verify correct nasogastric tube placement. Placement of a nasogastric tube is confirmed using several methods, including auscultation over the epigastric area, aspiration of gastric content from the tube, measuring pH of gastric content and radiological methods. We present the inadvertent insertion of nasogastric tube into the airways, that resulted in respiratory distress, in two different patients to serve as a reminder that malpositioning may cause severe complications.