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

• Main Authors: Jeong Am Ryu, Joongbum Cho, Sung Bum Park, Daesang Lee, Chi Ryang Chung, Jeong Hoon Yang, Kyeongman Jeon, Gee Young Suh, Chi Min Park
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korean Society of Critical Care Medicine 2014-05-01
• Series: Korean Journal of Critical Care Medicine
• Subjects: critical care; feeding, tube; pneumothorax
• Online Access: http://www.kjccm.org/upload/pdf/kjccm-2014-29-2-131.pdf

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.