Iatrogenic transmural perforation of the oesophagus in the preterm infant.

Traumatic oesophageal perforation may occur during the intensive care of premature infants due to trauma of the laryngoscope blade, to traumatic intubation with an endotracheal tube or to forced passing of a nasogastric tube. Over a four-year period, three infants of 787 admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit were diagnosed as having this complication. The careful analysis of the position of the nasogastric tube in relation to surrounding structures can be an early clue to the diagnosis of this condition.