Journal of the Korean Society of Neonatology  2011;18(2):387-390

doi:10.5385/jksn.2011.18.2.387

Iatrogenic Esophageal Perforation: An Occurrence from Feeding Tube Placement in a Premature Infant with a Pneumothorax.

Yeong Uk JANG 1 ; Woo Jung JANG ; Hye Jung CHO ; Duk Young CHOI ; So Yeon SHIM ; Dong Woo SON

Affiliations

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Keywords

Esophageal perforation; Feeding tube; Prema

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

English

Abstract

Spontaneous neonatal esophageal perforation (EP) is a rare condition. However, iatrogenic EP due to a feeding tube is not uncommon, particularly in premature infants. Iatrogenic EP can result in serious complications, such as a pneumothorax, and can be fatal. Usually a pneumothorax develops as a result of EP. However, we experienced an EP in a patient with a pneumothorax. The EP occurred after inserting a feeding tube while the patient was suffering from a pneumothorax. Thus care is needed when inserting the feeding tube in a patient with a pneumothorax.