Intracranial placement of a nasogastric tube after severe craniofacial trauma

Complications of intracranial placement of a nasogastric tube in patients with complex facial and skull base fractures are infrequent, though the associated morbidity and mortality are high. In such situations some authors advocate craniotomy to allow removal of the tube in several linear segments under direct visualization. Others advise tube removal nasally under antibiotic coverage. We present a case of complex craniofacial fracture in which a nasogastric tube was positioned intracranially 48 hours after admission. The tube was quickly removed through the nose, and the patient was discharged without neurologic problems.