Corrosive oesophageal stricture in children: study of 20 cases

ABSTRACT

Corrosive stricture of the oesophagus secondary to ingestion of caustic potash is a serious problem. 20 children who had swallowed corrosive substance were admitted to the surgical department after a period ranging from 1-10 months. 14 were males and 6 were females, with age ranging from 11/2 years to 7 years. All children were subjected to full clinical, laboratory and radiological, as well as endoscopical studies. The commonest level of stricture was found to be between D3- D5. Dilatation had been tried in all cases initially and continued so long the patient responded [10 cases]. Patients not responding to dilatation or had impassable stricture [10 cases] were subjected to colon by pass operation. Of these gastrostomy was performed in 8 cases to correct the marked loss of weight and malnutrition. Post-operative cervical fistula developed in 7 cases, of which two cases needed revision of the oesophagocelic anastomosis. The mortality was 3 out of ten cases operated upon. Despite the good results of the colon by pass, yet prevention of the accident remains better than cure