Nasoenteric Tube Complication: A Case Report of Tip Detachment

Enteral feeding is used commonly among critically ill patients. An unusual complication related to a weighted nasoenteric feeding tube is described. The hospital course of a critically ill patient with a disrupted weighted tip from a nasoenteral feeding tube was reviewed. All identified references with relevance to similar complications of nasoenteral tubes were reviewed. A 79-year-old woman with intracranial hemorrhage required postoperative mechanical ventilation and enteral feedings using a 12F nasoenteric feeding tube. The weighted tip on the feeding tube became detached during placement and the tungsten discs from this tip were scattered throughout the bowel. The patient passed these discs in her stool by the 12th postoperative day and had no further complications. All nasoenteral tubes should be inspected closely for possible defects before placement. Radiographic confirmation of tube placement should be obtained, and after removal the tip should be examined for any defects.