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Iatrogenic intubation injuries of the upper gastrointestinal tract in adults

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Abstract

Perforation of the hypopharynx, esophagus, and stomach complicated the insertion of flexible tubes in 11 adults. Nasogastric suction tubes were responsible for 5 instances of gastric perforation. Palliative intubation of obstructive carcinomas of the distal esophagus resulted in delayed perforation of the esophagus and stomach in 2 cases. The use of a Linton tube for decompression of bleeding varices caused esophageal rupture in 1 patient whereas 2 others developed pharyngoesophageal perforation due to misplaced endotracheal tubes. The remaining 1 case demonstrated penetration of a chest tube into the esophageal lumen. The radiographic features and mechanisms of these iatrogenic injuries are described and the pertinent literature is reviewed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Evanston Hospital-Northwestern University, 2650 Ridge Avenue, 60201, Evanston, Ill., USA

    Gary G. Ghahremani M.D. & Ronald B. Port

  2. Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Medical College of Virginia Hospitals, Richmond, Virginia, USA

    Mary Ann Turner

Authors
  1. Gary G. Ghahremani M.D.
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  2. Mary Ann Turner
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  3. Ronald B. Port
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Ghahremani, G.G., Turner, M.A. & Port, R.B. Iatrogenic intubation injuries of the upper gastrointestinal tract in adults. Gastrointest Radiol 5, 1–10 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01888590

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01888590

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