Nasogastric Tube Syndrome: Why Is It Important in the Intensive Care Unit?
10.4266/kjccm.2015.30.3.231
- Author:
Taehyun KIM
1
;
Seong Min KIM
;
Sung Birm SOHN
;
Yeon Ho LEE
;
Sang Youn LIM
;
Jae Kyeom SIM
Author Information
1. Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul, Korea. mdkyoum2@gmail.com
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
nasogastric tube;
upper airway obstruction;
vocal cord paralysis
- MeSH:
Aged, 80 and over;
Critical Illness;
Female;
Humans;
Intensive Care Units;
Critical Care;
Pharynx;
Proton Pumps;
Tracheostomy;
Vocal Cord Paralysis
- From:The Korean Journal of Critical Care Medicine
2015;30(3):231-233
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Although the nasogastric tube (NGT) is widely used in critically ill patients, most intensivists do not give much thought to it or its possible complications. NGT syndrome is a rare but fatal complication characterized by throat pain and vocal cord paralysis in the presence of NGT. Recently, we experienced a case of NGT syndrome developed in an 86-year-old female twelve days after NGT insertion. We immediately removed the NGT and secured the airway by tracheostomy. She was treated successfully with an intravenous antibiotic, steroid and proton pump inhibitor and the syndrome did not recur after reinsertion of the NGT.
