Beware of the malformed nasogastric tube

Untoward events with faulty instruments and apparatus are well known and if not recognised can be disastrous. We present a case of a faulty nasogastric tube having both ends sharp-edged and closed with a detachable blocker. In our case, had we inserted the faulty nasogastric tube, the impact of the blocker, although small, in the tract could have eroded the nasal/oesophageal/gastric mucosa causing its sequalae. Thus, we would like to emphasise the need to check all instruments before using them to prevent any catastrophic complication.