A Case Report of an Atypical Situation Arising During Typical Ryle's Tube Removal Procedure

Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2024 Feb;76(1):1118-1120. doi: 10.1007/s12070-023-04147-9. Epub 2023 Aug 25.

Abstract

Placement of Ryle's tube is a rather blind outpatient procedure which has documented minor and major complications during insertion like nasal irritation, epistasis, pharyngeal trauma, tracheal trauma, intravascular penetration, intracranial penetration etc. However, removal of Ryle's tube is a rather straightforward procedure with rarely any complication. In this case report, we encountered an unusual situation of Ryle's tube being kinked and stuck at Left Fossa of Rosenmuller, near the skull base with subsequent erosion, emphasising the fact that forceful removal should not be attempted. Thorough examination and meticulous removal are necessitated in a stuck/kinked Ryle's tube to prevent dreaded complications.

Keywords: Fossa of Rosenmuller; Ryle’s tube; Skull base.