A complication of nasogastric tube removal.

Numerous complications associated with the use of nasogastric tubes have been reported. The most common of these complications result from their misdirection during insertion. We report a case in which the mercury tip of a nasogastric tube became lodged within the nasal cavity during removal. This required extraction by an otolaryngologist and resulted in a delay of discharge. The spectrum of complications associated with nasogastric tube use and recommendations for safe removal are discussed.