An unanticipated use of the nasogastric feeding tube

Nasogastric feeding (NGF) tube should be used only for the main intended purpose such as feeding, and the correct insertion of the NGF tube into the gastrointestinal tract is encouraged; however, an NGF tube aberrantly inserted into the lung might provide a valuable opportunity of obtaining samples from the lower respiratory tract. Here, we present the case of a 77 ‐year‐old‐man with right lower pneumonia who required NGF. The NGF tube was inadvertently inserted into the right main airway to the lower lung and immediately removed. However, the tube had collected some sample which was used to confirm the presence of methicillin‐resistantStaphylococcus aureus (MRSA) which guided treatment. Key messageIndeed, the nasogastric feeding (NGF) tube should be used only for the main intended purpose such as feeding, and the correct insertion of the NGF tube into the gastrointestinal tract is encouraged; however, an NGF tube aberrantly inserted into the lung might provide a valuable opportunity of obtaining samples from the lower respiratory tract.

Source: Respirology Case Reports - April 16, 2020 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Satoru Yanagisawa, Ohe Takashi Tags: Clinical Image Source Type: research