Nasogastric Tube Knotted Around a Nasal Endotracheal Tube in the Nasopharynx: Possible Cause

Abstract

A nasogastric tube is often used along with a nasal endotracheal tube during oral surgery or dental treatment under general anesthesia. Although the insertion of a nasogastric tube is a simple procedure, it can be associated with complications that lead to potentially serious consequences. The knotting of a nasogastric tube around an endotracheal tube is rare. Here, we report a case in which the nasogastric tube became knotted around the nasal endotracheal tube in the nasopharynx. We compare this case with 4 previous similar cases and provide a theory of how the nasogastric tube might have become knotted.