A hospital-based epidemiological study of corrosive alimentary injuries with particular reference to the Indian experience.

Corrosive alimentary tract injuries are a source of considerable morbidity all over the world. Despite this, actual data on the epidemiology of this problem are scarce mainly due to the lack of a well-established reporting system for poisoning in most countries. The burden of the disease is naturally more in countries such as India where the condition is common because of poor regulation of sale of corrosive substances. We analyse the available data on epidemiology of corrosive injuries, as well as patterns of involvement of the alimentary tract, with special reference to Indian data, and also provide an overview of the management options and long-term sequelae of this condition.

Costs of management of bile duct injuries.

Background: Only a few studies address the financial impact of the management of bile duct injuries (BDI). This study was aimed to assess the cost of BDI sustained during cholecystectomy. Methods: Patients who underwent surgical repair for post cholecystectomy BDI and due for routine follow up between August 2006 and September 2007 were called for an interview. Results: 47 patients were interviewed. There were 39 (83%) women and 8 (17%) men. The median direct cost was US$ 1626 (451-11,009); ` 73,983 (20,521-500,910). The median indirect cost was US$ 312 (26-2,708); ` 14,196 (1,183-123,214). Total median cost was US$ 2,045 (488- 12,369); ` 93,046 (22,204-562,790). The median total costs of management of BDI was 9.98 times the costs of a cholecystectomy at our centre (US$ 205); (` 9,328) and was 8.41 times the median monthly income of the patients (US$ 243); (` 11,057). Conclusions: Our results will help the hospital administrators and the insurance agencies to calculate and revise the packages and premium for cholecystectomy so that the extra cost of a possible BDI is evenly distributed.