Laryngospasm during extubation. Can nasogastric tube be the culprit?

BMJ Case Rep. 2013 Jun 18:2013:bcr2013009645. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2013-009645.

Abstract

Nasogastric tube insertion is a common clinical procedure carried out both by doctors and other paramedical personnel. Misplacement of the nasogastric tube into the tracheobronchial tree is not uncommon. It can easily be detected in awake patients with intact cough reflex. Insertion of the nasogastric tube under general endotracheal anaesthesia can be difficult and when the misplacement is not promptly detected can result in unusual and disastrous complications. Laryngospasm is not uncommon in anaesthetic practice; however, reports of recurrent laryngospasm are very sparse. We report a case of misplaced nasogastric tube causing recurrent laryngospasm.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Airway Extubation / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Laryngismus / etiology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged