S. Eggstein et al., CORROSIVE INJURY OF THE UPPER GASTROINTES TINAL-TRACT - TREATMENT ANDNATURAL-HISTORY, Zentralblatt fur Chirurgie, 120(2), 1995, pp. 103-109
We report a retrospective analysis of 61 patients admitted during the
years 1974 to 1992 after having recently swallowed a corrosive agent.
Within 24 hours, the localisation, severity and extent of the injury h
ad been determined by endoscopy. In 13 patients the injury was restric
ted to the oropharynx, and in 48 it involved esophagus, stomach and du
odenum. Fourteen had sustained a second degree injury, and 16 a third
degree injury. Out of five patients with third degree injuries who wer
e treated by operation within the first three days, two survived. Two
patients operated upon for complications after 10 days of conservative
treatment died. The total mortality was 21 %, but 56 % for those who
had received a third degree injury. Thirteen patients developed a sten
osis (27 % of those with gastroesophageal lesions). Esophageal strictu
res were dilatated with bougies, but stomach stenoses were treated by
resection. Of the 12 patients treated by dilatation, 4 sustained perfo
rations and 4 of them were free of symptoms for a considerable period
of time (more than 4 years).