[Removal of a swallowed endotracheal tube in a neonate].

Immediately following delivery a newborn infant was severely depressed. Because no respiratory effort was made and copious mucus was present, a Cole endotracheal tube was easily inserted into the trachea. Because of a mistaken manoeuvre for fastening the tube, the plastic adapter connection became dislodged from the tube, and the tube slipped out of trachea. The physician's gloved fingers could not maintain traction on the tube because of the excessive amount of mucus, and face mask ventilation made easier the slipping into the distal oesophagus. A second endotracheal tube was then properly placed in the trachea and the infant responded. The misplaced tube was removed from the oesophagus using a small, flexible biopsy forceps closed, advanced into the lumen of the swallowed tube under fluoroscopic vision. By opening the forceps, gripping the tube tightly from within, it was easily withdrawn. No adverse effects were observed.