[Bronchopleural fistula after transbronchial passage of a feeding tube]

Inadvertent transbronchial insertion of a narrow-bore feeding tube using a metallic wire resulted, twice in less than 24 hours, in a right pneumothorax complicated by a bronchopleural fistula. This accident occurred in a conscious patient but with central neurologic chronic disorders recently aggravated by a postoperative Gayet-Wernicke syndrome. The incidence of transbronchial insertion is relatively important [2 to 4%]. Risk factors include a previous endotracheal intubation and an altered mental status. The insertion may be especially hazardous when the patient is uncooperative or unconscious or has lost the cough reflex. The presence of a cuffed endotracheal tube should not be considered as a safeguard for tracheobronchial penetration. Recommendations for prevention are presented. The usual procedure of testing for proper location of the tube following its insertion consisting in the injection of air through the tube with auscultation for gastric borborygmi, is inadequate and should no longer be used.