An unusual complication of endotracheal intubation: ingestion of a bulb in a premature neonate

Abstract

Endotracheal intubation is a common daily procedure used for sustaininglife in premature and term neonates in the neonatal intensive care unit.This procedure can be associated with some iatrogenic complications. Oneof these complications is ingesting a laryngoscope light bulb, and it is anextremely rare complication in neonates. The consequences of ingestion oraspiration may be serious and life-threatening. Herein, a male prematureneonate, ingested a laryngoscope light bulb during endotracheal intubationbecause of surfactant replacement therapy, is reported. This case re-affirmsthe importance of checking the integrity of equipment before intubation effort.