A wandering nasal prong-a thing of risks and problems

We describe an unusual complication of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) ventilation in a preterm low birth weight neonate being weaned from respiratory support. The tube used to administer nasal CPAP became dislodged from its metal connector whilst in the nasopharynx and slipped into the stomach. After waiting eight days the tube showed no signs of passing spontaneously through the gastrointestinal tract and retrieval was then successfully achieved by means of a 3.5 mm paediatric fibreoptic bronchoscope without complication.