Korean J Crit Care Med.  2014 May;29(2):131-136. 10.4266/kjccm.2014.29.2.131.

Respiratory Complications Associated with Insertion of Small-Bore Feeding Tube in Critically Ill Patients

• Ryu JA
• Cho J
• Park SB
• Lee D
• Chung CR
• Yang JH
• Jeon K
• Suh GY
• Park CM

• KMID: 2227776
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2014.29.2.131

Abstract

Small-bore flexible feeding tubes decrease the risk of ulceration of the nose, pharynx, and stomach compared with large-bore and more rigid tubes. However, small-bore feeding tubes have more respiratory system complications, such as pneumothorax, hydropneumothorax, bronchopleural fistula, and pneumonia, which are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Thus, it is important to confirm the correct position of feeding tubes. Chest X-ray is the gold standard to detect tracheal malpositioning of the feeding tube. We present three cases in which intubated patients exhibited an altered mental state. An assistant guide wire was used at the insertion of small-bore feeding tubes. These conditions are thought to be potential risk factors for tracheobronchial malpositioning of feeding tubes.

Keyword

critical care; feeding, tube; pneumothorax

MeSH Terms

Critical Care
Critical Illness*
Enteral Nutrition
Fistula
Humans
Hydropneumothorax
Mortality
Nose
Pharynx
Pneumonia
Pneumothorax
Respiratory System
Risk Factors
Stomach
Thorax
Ulcer