Exfoliative esophageal bleeding caused by blind placement of a nasogastric tube: Two cases and a literature review

Abstract Transnasal intubation is a clinical operation usually performed blindly at the bedside. Mild adverse events, such as epistaxis and tube misplacement, are relatively common. Esophageal bleeding or perforation and other serious adverse events are rare. In the present study, two cases of severe diffuse esophageal bleeding caused by the blind placement of a nasogastric tube are described. These cases were successfully treated using a covered metal stent or Sengstaken-Blakemore tube. A review of the literature regarding the possible causes of such adverse events and the potential endoscopic treatments for severe hemorrhage are discussed.