Using Video-Assisted Laryngoscope (GlideScope®) to Insert a Nasogastric Tube and Prevent Pneumothorax From Incorrectly Inserted Nasogastric Tubes

When indicated, nasogastric tubes (NGT) are often inserted blindly, and the positioning is later confirmed using a chest X-ray (CX-ray). This case describes the blind insertion of an NGT in an 85-year-old nonverbal woman with advanced dementia who developed a pneumothorax (PTX) following NGT insertion. The patient had sepsis due to pneumonia and an infected decubitus ulcer. Because the patient had difficulty swallowing, NGT insertion was blindly performed by a house staff resident, and the tube entered the left lung. A portable bedside CX-ray was performed post-insertion and confirmed that the NGT was in the left lung, with left-sided PTX. An immediate CT of the chest revealed a partial collapse of the left lung. The patient was placed on a nonrebreather mask with 80% oxygen, and immediate insertion of a chest tube (12 Fr catheter) resulted in a subcomplete resolution of the PTX on the left side, with remaining apical PTX. Because an NGT was still required to feed the patient, we used a video-assisted laryngoscope (VAL) to assist with the insertion of the NGT the second time and prevent insertion in the incorrect location. We encourage physicians to consider the insertion of NGT under direct observation using VAL.