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

Abstract

Endotracheal intubation is a common daily procedure used for sustaining life in premature and term neonates in the neonatal intensive care unit. This procedure can be associated with some iatrogenic complications. One of these complications is ingesting a laryngoscope light bulb, and it is an extremely rare complication in neonates. The consequences of ingestion or aspiration may be serious and life-threatening. Herein, a male premature neonate, ingested a laryngoscope light bulb during endotracheal intubation because of surfactant replacement therapy, is reported. This case re-affirms the importance of checking the integrity of equipment before intubation effort.