Sultan Qaboos University medical journal
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Gastric intubation is a common and simple procedure that is often performed on patients who are sedated or anaesthetised. If the gastric tube (GT) is inserted blindly while the patient is unconscious, this procedure may result in easily preventable complications such as laryngeal trauma. ⋯ The movement of the GT from the oropharyngeal area to the upper oesophageal sphincter can be visualised and controlled with the use of Magill forceps and a laryngoscope. Therefore, this report highlights the need for GT insertion procedures to be performed under direct vision in patients who are unconscious (due to sedation, anaesthesia or an inherent condition) in order to prevent trauma to the laryngeal structures.