Use of esophagostomy in the management of corrosive esophageal strictures.

ABSTRACT

Thirty six cases of corrosive esophageal strictures seen over a period of ten years are presented. The primary treatment modalities followed include antegrade dilatation per oral (11 cases), retrograde followed by antegrade dilatation with endless string per oral (12), retrograde followed by antegrade dilatation with endless string through esophagostomy (12), and surgery (1). Per oral dilatation with endless string was not well tolerated by 15 patients due to friction of the string against the posterior 1/3rd of the tongue, and hence compliance was poor. Dilatation through esophagostomy was easy, and patient compliance was good. Furthermore, patients could be trained to do self bougienage easily through the esophagostomy. Esophagostomy closed within 4-6 weeks after successful distal dilatation was achieved.