(0217) Evaluating Adverse Events Associated With Nasogastric Enteral Feeding Tube Placement

Introduction: Nasogastric enteral feeding tube placement is often essential to the nutrition of patients with otolaryngologic conditions. However, rare errors or malfunction during production, placement, and use of nasogastric tubes can lead to serious complications. No studies have analyzed adverse events associated with nasogastric tube use.

Methods: Using the US Food and Drug Administration's Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience database, adverse events associated with the use of Dobhoff nasogastric feeding tubes between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2023 were compiled and examined from medical device reports.

Results: A total of 108 medical device reports were reviewed and 73 medical device reports associated with Dobhoff feeding tubes were included. Most adverse events occurred during insertion (n = 40, 54.8%) and use (n = 25, 34.2%). Most events had no effect on the patient (n = 41, 56.2%), however, cases of morbidity (n = 27, 37%) and mortality (n = 5, 6.8%) were not uncommon. The most common complications causing patient morbidity and mortality, respectively, included retained foreign bodies (n = 16 and n = 0), pneumothorax (n = 11 and n = 3), aspiration (n = 3 and n = 2), and gastritis (n = 4 and n = 0). The most common device malfunctions included device breakage (n = 31, 42.5%) and manufacturing error leading to retained guidewires requiring device removal (n = 17, 23.3%). The most frequent post-adverse event interventions included removal of the feeding tube (n = 56, 76.7%) and chest tube placement (n = 11, 15%). Upper endoscopy (n = 7, 9.6%) was required for some patients who required removal of retained foreign bodies.

Conclusions: Dobhoff tubes are used frequently in the perioperative period and for patients with chronic otolaryngologic conditions. However, both adverse events to patients and device malfunctions are reported. Investigation into common and rare complications of nasogastric feeding can assist providers in making informed decisions regarding their use and awareness for potential complications that may arise.