Torn esophagus during surgery - help...

Hello,

My mom had bypass surgery 6 days ago.

The anesthesiologist tore her esophagus just near the stomach, while putting the tube into her stomach to drain acids during surgery.

This wasn't investigated and known until the day after surgery, when she had to receive two pints of blood, and was heavily sedated to be put back onto the respirator. Now, she is just started to wake up, four full days after her last dose of sedatives (compromised liver function???).

My question is...does anyone understand why the esophagus would get torn by an OG tube??? Is this simply negligence on the part of the anesthesiologist. Or can something happen in the patient (like the stomach or gallbladder contracting) while they're inserting the tube?

Thanks!
KarenMarie Tweet