CAUSTIC LESIONS OF THE ADULTS UPPER DIGESTIVE-TRACT - ETIOLOGIC AND ENDOSCOPIC ASPECTS CONCERNING 104 CASES

Based on a retrospective study, the etiological and endoscopic aspects of caustic injuries of the digestive tract are presented, concerning one hundred and four cases (62 men and 42 women, mean age 25). 78 pati ents (75 %) had intentionally ingested a caustic substance to commit s uicide. In 26 cases (25 %), it was an accident. Ingested substances we re as follows: sulphuric acid : 61 cases (58.7 %); caustic soda: 12 ca ses (11.5 %); bleach: 8 cases (7.7 %); permanganate: 4 cases (3.9 %), ammonia: 1 case (0.9 %); and unidentified substances: 18 cases (17.3 % ). Fiberoptic endoscopy was normal in 6 cases (5.8 %). In 98 cases (94 ,2 %), digestive lesions were apparent. They could be classified as St age I (14 cases), II (39 cases), and III (45 cases) per Di Costanzo. 5 1 cases developed cicatricial stenosis. in view of these results, we s uggest that the sale oi caustic substances be regulated. Also, popular education and information should be intensified, and a poison control center should be created.