Nasopharyngeal Perforation by a New Electromagnetically Visualised Enteral Feeding Tube

Enteral nutrition is the preferred route of feeding in critically ill patients. It has multiple advantages over parenteral nutrition and potentially improves patients' outcome. Enteral nutrition is delivered via gastric or postpyloric (small intestine) feeding tubes. The latter option used to be a more challenging choice to achieve unless the feeding tube is placed endoscopically or by interventional radiology. Multiple technical advances have facilitated postpyloric feeding, including a new electromagnetically visualised jejunal feeding tube system (CORTRAK Enteral Access System). We are presenting a case of a 50-year-old woman who suffered a nasopharyngeal perforation caused by this novel technology. The complication was recognised promptly and managed successfully with conservative measures. This case illustrates the importance of recognising patients at high risk for feeding tube placement complications, meticulous placement technique and appropriate follow-up once the tube has been inserted.