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

Jang,  Yeong Uk; Jang,  Woo Jung; Cho,  Hye Jung; Choi,  Duk Young; Shim,  So Yeon; Son,  Dong Woo

doi:2011.18.2.387

Neonatal Med > Volume 18(2); 2011 > Article

Case Report

Journal of the Korean Society of Neonatology 2011;18(2):387-390.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5385/jksn.2011.18.2.387 Published online November 25, 2011.

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

Yeong Uk Jang, Woo Jung Jang, Hye Jung Cho, Duk Young Choi, So Yeon Shim, Dong Woo Son

Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Gachon University of Medicine and Science, Incheon, Korea. sondw@gilhospital.com

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.

Key Words: Esophageal perforation; Feeding tube; Prema