User:ShakaluMD/Nasogastric intubation

Materials
Nasogastric tubes are available in a variety of different materials, each with their own unique properties.


 * Polypropylene - This material is most common. It is less likely to kink, which can be beneficial for placement, but its rigidity makes it less suitable to be used for long term feeding.
 * Latex - These tubes tend to be thicker and can be difficult to place without proper lubrication. Latex tends to break down at faster rates compared to other materials. Allergies to latex are relatively common and latex tubes are more likely to be recognized as a foreign object by the body.
 * Silicone - Especially useful in patients with known latex allergies. Silicone tubes tend to be thinner and more pliable. This can be useful in some situations but can also be more prone to rupture under stress.

Complications
Complications with nasogastric intubation can occur due to incorrect initial placement of the nasogastric tube or due to changes in tube position that go unrecognized. Nasogastric tubes mistakenly placed in the trachea or lungs can lead to aspiration of enteral feeds or medications administered through the NG tube. This can also lead to pneumothorax or pleural effusion, which often requires a chest tube to drain. Nasogastric tubes can also be mistakenly placed within the intracranial space. This is more likely to occur in patient who already have specific types of skull fractures.

Other complications include clogged or nonfunctional tubes, premature removal of the tube, erosion of the nasal mucosa, esophageal perforation esophageal reflux, nose bleeds, sinusitis, sore throat and gagging.

Fox News Digital reported about a voluntary field correction notice dated March 21, 2022, referenced 60 injuries and 23 deaths related to misplacement of a nasogastric tube. Avanos Medical's Cortrak2 EAS recall, has been classified as a Class I recall by the FDA, following these reports.