Minimally invasive management of children with caustic ingestion: less pain for patients

Procedural and Surgical Interventions for Esophageal Stricture Secondary to Caustic Ingestion in Children

BACKGROUND

Esophageal injury after caustic ingestion can vary in severity and may result in significant long-term morbidity due to stricture development. The optimal management remains unknown. We aim to determine the incidence of esophageal stricture due to caustic ingestion and quantify current procedural and operative management strategies.

METHODS

The Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) was utilized to identify patients 0-18 years old who experienced caustic ingestion from January 2007-September 2015 and developed subsequent esophageal stricture until December 2021. Post-injury procedural and operative management was identified utilizing ICD-9/10 procedure codes for esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), esophageal dilation, gastrostomy tube placement, fundoplication, tracheostomy, and major esophageal surgery.

RESULTS

1,588 patients from 40 hospitals experienced caustic ingestion of which 56.6% were male, 32.5% non-Hispanic White, and the median age at time of injury was 2.2 years (IQR: 1.4,4.8). Median length of initial admission was 1.0 day (IQR: 1.0, 3.0). 171/1,588 (10.8%) developed esophageal stricture. Among those who developed stricture, 144 (84.2%) underwent at least 1 additional EGD, 138 (80.7%) underwent dilation, 70 (40.9%) underwent gastrostomy tube, 6 (3.5%) underwent fundoplication, 10 (5.8%) underwent tracheostomy, and 40 (23.4%) underwent major esophageal surgery. Patients underwent a median of 9 dilations (IQR 3, 20). Major surgery was performed at a median of 208 (IQR: 74, 480) days after caustic ingestion.

CONCLUSION

Many patients with esophageal stricture after caustic ingestion will require multiple procedural interventions and potentially major surgery. These patients may benefit from early multi-disciplinary care coordination and the development of a best-practice treatment algorithm.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Self-Poisoning With Household Bleach in an Elderly Man

Caustic self-poisoning is a major health hazard, which affects any age, but is particularly serious among the elderly. Household bleach is a caustic that contains 3% to 6% sodium hypochlorite solution, one of the most common agents in unintentional caustic poisoning. In this clinical case, we present a household bleach self-poisoning by an older man with no relevant medical history. He presented with extensive burns on the oral cavity mucosa and tongue, requiring orotracheal intubation by video laryngoscopy. He was then admitted to the intensive care unit, where he evolved poorly. Given the poor prognosis and the lack of physiological reserve for the invasiveness required for a surgical approach, a conservative strategy was chosen after a multidisciplinary team discussion. With the conservative strategy, the patient survived, being discharged to the general ward after one month, where he underwent a Stamm gastrostomy and placement of a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy. In the follow-up consultation three months later, the patient was found to be weakened, with high frailty status, presenting anxiety, depression, and causing high family burden.

Foreign Body and Caustic Substance Ingestion in Childhood

Foreign body and caustic substance ingestion in childhood are common and require accurate and timely diagnosis to provide appropriate management consistent with the ingested substance/foreign body and clinical presentation as well as the associated risk status to prevent significant complications and morbidity. The aim of this paper was to present foreign body and caustic ingestion in childhood in terms of epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic work-up and appropriate management and potential complications in accordance with clinical presentation and the type of ingested substance/foreign body.

Foreign body and caustic ingestions in children: A clinical practice guideline

Foreign body and caustic ingestions in children are usually the most common clinical challenges for emergency physicians, general pediatricians and pediatric gastroenterologists. Management of these conditions often requires different levels of expertise and competence. Endoscopy is often necessary but there is a high risk of misusing this tool with incorrect timing and indications. The imprecise clinical history frequently leaves clinicians uncertain about timing and nature of the ingestion. Few clinical guidelines regarding management of these ingestions in children have been published, none of which from the Italian Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (SIGENP). An expert panel of Italian endoscopists was convened by the SIGENP Endoscopy Working Group to produce the present article that outlines practical clinical approaches to the pediatric patient with a variety of foreign body and caustic ingestions. The Italian Association of Hospital Gastroenterologists and Endoscopists (AIGO) has also endorsed the project since many adult endoscopists usually manage children with these conditions. Differently from the other published guidelines, the proposed one focuses on the role of the endoscopists (regardless of whether they are adult or pediatric gastroenterologists) in the diagnostic process of children with foreign body and caustic ingestions.

Corrosive ingestion managements in children

Corrosive (caustic) material ingestion remains a major health issue, particularly in developing countries. The management strategy after corrosive ingestion should be planned according to the signs and symptoms. The management of corrosive ingestion based on endoscopic grading, nothing by mouth, and barium studies should be abandoned. With the new management protocol, esophageal stricture can be predicted with high accuracy using the simple new prognostic DROOL score (≤ 4) rather than endoscopic grading, reduced by immediate oral feeding as soon as the patient can swallow saliva instead of nothing by mouth, diagnosed earlier (10-14 days) by fluoro-endoscopic balloon-assisted esophageal examination for patients with persistent dysphagia instead of relying on a barium study (≥ 21 days), and adequately treated by initiating balloon dilation earlier during the same anesthesia procedure. Fluoroscopically guided balloon dilatation with large balloons (18-20 mm) seems to be safe, with a low frequency of complications and a high success rate. If dilatation fails after a few months, esophagectomy and replacement surgery using the stomach should be considered. The increased risk of developing esophageal carcinoma after ingestion of corrosive substances should be kept in mind.

The effect of intralesional steroid injections on esophageal strictures and the child as whole: A case series

BACKGROUND

The most frequent complication after esophageal atresia repair remains anastomotic stricture formation. The initial treatment is endoscopic dilatation. Intralesional steroid injection (ISI) might be an effective adjuvant treatment in case of recurrent strictures. In this series we present our initial experience with this intervention.

METHODS

Data on primary surgery, stricture treatment, postoperative complications, outcome and growth were retrospectively collected from electronic patient records. Findings were analyzed by descriptive statistics and mixed model analysis.

RESULTS

Between 2014 and 2017, ISI was performed for severe recurrent anastomotic strictures in six patients (median age at injection 12.4 (2.1-34.7) months) after a median of 6 (2-20) dilatations. In five patients ISI was successful and the stenosis was cleared. No postoperative complications were reported, especially none related to acute adrenal suppression. Comparing the year before with the year after ISI, a significant positive change for weight (r = 0.70, p = 0.003) was calculated versus a negative change for height (r = -0.87, p = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

We found ISI to be an effective adjuvant treatment to recurrent anastomotic stricture dilatation after esophageal atresia repair, without postoperative complications or symptoms of adrenal suppression. It remains important, however, to monitor growth effects. Further evaluation is required in a large prospective study.

TYPE OF STUDY

Treatment study, Level IV (case series).

Total esophageal substitution for combined hypopharyngeal and esophageal strictures after corrosive injury in children

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

The treatment of children with esophageal strictures and involvement of the hypopharynx caused by caustic substance ingestion continues to be challenging. The aims of the present study are to describe the peculiarities of the technique of complete esophageal substitution for the treatment of children with severe caustic strictures (pharyngocoloplasties) and to compare the results to those of classical esophagocoloplasty with thoracic and abdominal esophageal substitution in another group of children.

METHODS

A total of 258 children underwent colon interposition for esophageal replacement. Among these patients, 19 had complex esophageal caustic strictures involving the high level of the esophagus and hypopharynx without response to endoscopic dilatations. This group was compared with another group who required partial esophagocoloplasty with intact hypopharynx and high esophagus (239 patients). For the pharyngocoloplasty procedure, the transverse and great parts of the right colon were the segments selected for interposition and were maintained by a double vascular pedicle based on the left colic vessels and the marginal paracolic arcade via the sigmoid vessels.

RESULTS

In the pharyngocoloplasty group, 9 patients (47.4%) presented with cervical anastomosis stenosis with episodes of aspiration pneumonia, although good responses to endoscopic dilatation treatments were observed. All patients survived. In the esophagocoloplasty group, the main complications were cervical leaking (18.0%) and stenosis (16.7%). Statistical comparisons revealed that the pharyngocoloplasty patients exhibited a lower incidence of cervical leakage and increased incidences of cervical stenosis and aspiration pneumonia, although all patients could swallow normally.

CONCLUSION

Pharyngocoloplasty with complete esophageal substitution is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of esophageal caustic strictures with severe stenoses reaching the hypopharynx that are refractory to previous endoscopic treatment.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II.

Caustic Ingestion in the Elderly: Influence of Age on Clinical Outcome

Caustic poisonings are still associated with many fatalities. Studies focusing on the elderly are rare. The purpose of the present study was to compare the clinical outcomes of caustic ingestion injury in elderly and non-elderly adults with regard to gender, intent of exposure, substance ingested, severity of mucosal injury, complications, and mortality. Caustic substance exposures reported to the National Toxicological Information Centre in Slovakia during 1998–2015 were reviewed retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups: the non-elderly (<60 years) and elderly adults (≥60 years). The mortality rate in the elderly was significantly higher (elderly 23.0% vs. non-elderly 11.3%; p = 0.041). The risk of fatal outcome in the elderly was increased by acid ingestion (OR = 7.822; p = 0.002), particularly hydrochloric acid (OR = 5.714, p = 0.006). The incidence of respiratory complications was almost two times higher in the elderly was 31.1% vs. 17.4% for the non-elderly (p = 0.037). Respiratory complications significantly correlated with an increased mortality rate (p = 0.001) in the elderly whereas there was no association between GI complications and mortality in the elderly (p = 0.480). Elderly patients with respiratory complications had the poorest clinical outcomes. The highest risk of complications and fatalities was observed in patients after hydrochloric acid ingestion.

Double Lumen Polyamide Tube-stent for the Treatment of Recurrent Postcorrosive Esophageal Stenosis

This article presents the results of endoscopic treatment for recurrent postcorrosive esophageal stenosis with a tube-stent developed at our institution. The tube-stent was implanted in 5 children with corrosive esophageal injury at the age of 2 to 8.5 years after 7 to 64 dilatation sessions during 5 to 118 months. In total, 13 tube-stents were implanted. One patient had undergone 9 procedures during 2.5 years and the tube-stent remained in place for 14 to 250 days. This patient was tube-stent-dependent due to the lack of any possibility of surgical reconstruction. Two patients had the tube-stent removed after 150 to 205 days and they remain free from esophageal restenosis. One patient did not tolerate the tube-stent, evacuated it after 1 day and was referred for surgical esophagus replacement. One patient is currently still being treated with the tube-stent. Tube-stent was well tolerated and it may be effective in children with recurrent critical postcorrosive esophageal stenosis.

Caustic ingestion in children-A review

Various domestic or industrial chemicals may cause significant upper aerodigestive tract burns. Preventive measures should be up-scaled, especially in the developing world, to reduce the epidemic of accidental victims, largely unsupervised preschool children. External signs do not predict degree of injury. Non-invasive diagnostic screening includes radio-nuclear imaging, but early oesophago-gastroduodenoscopy remains the standard to predict stricture formation from circumferential submucosal scarring. Serial dilation is the mainstay of oesophageal stricture therapy, with oesophageal replacement reserved for severe refractory strictures. Intra-lesional steroid or mitomycin C may decrease the dilatations required for severe strictures, although long-term effects are unknown. Risk of secondary oesophageal carcinoma mandates long-term surveillance.

Is rigid endoscopy necessary with childhood corrosive ingestion? a retrospective comparative analysis of 458 cases

The aim of this study was to determine the necessity of endoscopy in cases in which a corrosive substance was ingested and to find a practical way to avoid unnecessary endoscopies for similar cases in the future. The clinical records of 458 hospitalized cases with clinical histories of corrosive substance ingestion between January 2007 and December 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. The demographics of the cases, the ingested substances, and the rigid endoscopy findings were evaluated. The three most commonly ingested corrosive agents were household bleach (22.9%), household degreaser (15.9%), and drain cleaner (13.1%). Rigid esophagoscopy was performed in 367 of the 458 cases. Corrosive agents were grouped according to their purpose of household use; eight groups were created. The degree of corrosive injury observed in the different groups was compared with the degree of injury caused by household bleach. Among the corrosive agent groups, dishwashing machine products (Gr.1), laundry products (Gr.2), liquid cleaners (Gr.3), and household bleach (Gr.4) did not cause high-grade injuries. The resulting injuries and esophagoscopy results among the above groups, whether symptomatic or not, did not differ from one another. Corrosive agents such as drain cleaner (Gr.6), household degreaser (Gr.7), and several other acidic products (Gr.8) caused high-grade injuries in the esophagus; however, lime remover/HCl (Gr.5) did not. Thus, hospitalization and rigid endoscopy seem unnecessary to assess esophageal injury in most cases, if the ingested corrosive agent fits into group 1, 2, 3, or 4 and if the patient can be easily fed. Esophagoscopy is useful to shorten the hospitalization times in cases where strong corrosive agents were ingested, such as those in groups 5, 6, 7, and 8.

Speech-language Pathology in Acute Pediatric Chemical or Button Battery Ingestion Injury

OBJECTIVES

Dysphagia is a common consequence of pediatric ingestion injury, yet there is a lack of data relating to recommencement of oral (per os; PO) intake or use of feeding therapy. We describe patterns of early PO intake, and referral to speech-language pathology (SLP) for feeding therapy, during the acute admission of a pediatric cohort postchemical or button battery ingestion injury.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of pediatric ingestion injuries admitted to a quaternary hospital from 2008 to 2013. Clinical parameters, PO intake progression, and nature of referrals for feeding therapy during the acute admission were examined.

RESULTS

Fifty-one children (26 boys; mean age: 31.5, range 4-170 months) were identified (75% with grade II or III mucosal injuries), of whom 31 (60%) had impaired PO intake. Of these, 5 recommenced premorbid PO intake during admission. At discharge, 16 remained on modified PO intake, and 10 remained nil PO. Eight (26%) were referred to SLP for feeding therapy during acute admission, or within 4 months of discharge. Feeding therapy-referred children were more likely to have pediatric intensive care admission (PICU) (100% vs 26%), and longer hospital admission (36.1 vs 9.3 days for those not referred).

CONCLUSIONS

More than half of the cohort had impaired PO intake, and one-third were nil PO at time of discharge. Referrals for feeding therapy were limited. Our findings may provide some guidance for clinicians, patients, and their families regarding possible PO intake recovery patterns, as well as provide background for evaluating the potential for feeding therapy and SLP involvement within this population.

Paediatric Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition and European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Guidelines

This guideline refers to infants, children, and adolescents ages 0 to 18 years. The areas covered include indications for diagnostic and therapeutic esophagogastroduodenoscopy and ileocolonoscopy; endoscopy for foreign body ingestion; corrosive ingestion and stricture/stenosis endoscopic management; upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding; endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography; and endoscopic ultrasonography. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy and endoscopy specific to inflammatory bowel disease has been dealt with in other guidelines and are therefore not mentioned in this guideline. Training and ongoing skill maintenance are to be dealt with in an imminent sister publication to this.

Caustic Ingestion in Children: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction: Caustic ingestion that occurs accidently is one of the most common problems in children. Methods: This systematic review has been performed by searching the databases including Science Direct, ProQuest, Google Scholar, and PubMed. A strategic search was performed with keywords including caustic, corrosive, ingestion, and children, and was limited to articles in English and Persian. Data were analyzed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis2 and PASW Statistics 18. Results: We selected 64 articles regarding caustic ingestion with a total sample of 11,345 cases. The data analysis indicated a higher consumption in young boys (age range 2.78 (2.02) years (OR=0.53 with a 95% confidence interval of 0.49-0.57 (P=0.08)). The most common caustic substances were household cleaning agents, particularly bleaches and cleaners. Esophageal cancer and death were reported as well as digestive and respiratory complications. Invasive and expensive techniques are frequently used for diagnosis, treatment and follow up. Conclusion: The results demonstrated that although caustic ingestion is a serious problem among children, it is a preventable and manageable issue. Therefore, appropriate efforts by families, government, factories, health team and media should be made to handle adequately this matter.

Caustic oesophagitis in children: prevalence, the corrosive agents involved, and management from primary care through to surgery

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Caustic substance ingestion (CSI) remains a major health issue, particularly in developing countries, where laws are not effectively enforced. This review offers a thorough analysis of the current epidemiology, clinical features, management, treatment, and long-term complications of CSI in children.

RECENT FINDINGS

Strong alkalis sold in liquid and granular forms, particularly crystalline grease cleaners (concentrated sodium hydroxide), are the principal causes of severe oesophageal damage. Currently, early endoscopy to assess the gastro-oesophageal mucosa is not considered necessary for all CSI cases. Oesophageal stricture is a major complication developing after CSI, and should be diagnosed and treated earlier, 10-14 days after CSI via commencement of a dilation program. Fluoroscopically guided oesophageal balloon dilatation seems to be safe, with a low frequency of complications and a high success rate. However, it should commence earlier than is currently the case, and should be performed gently, using balloons of gradually increasing diameter. If dilation fails after a few months, oesophageal replacement surgery should be performed.

SUMMARY

Unfortunately, neither dilatation treatment nor oesophageal bypass surgery can prevent the development of oesophageal carcinoma, the incidence of which is high after CSI. The continuing unacceptably high incidence of CSI accidents would be reduced if corrosive materials were sold in their original childproof containers, highlighting the need for preventive and adult education programmes.

Endoscopic management of esophageal stenosis in children: New and traditional treatments

Post-esophageal atresia anastomotic strictures and post-corrosive esophagitis are the most frequent types of cicatricial esophageal stricture. Congenital esophageal stenosis has been reported to be a rare but typical disease in children; other pediatric conditions are peptic, eosinophilic esophagitis and dystrophic recessive epidermolysis bullosa strictures. The conservative treatment of esophageal stenosis and strictures (ES) rather than surgery is a well-known strategy for children. Before planning esophageal dilation, the esophageal morphology should be assessed in detail for its length, aspect, number and level, and different conservative strategies should be chosen accordingly. Endoscopic dilators and techniques that involve different adjuvant treatment strategies have been reported and depend on the stricture’s etiology, the availability of different tools and the operator’s experience and preferences. Balloon and semirigid dilators are the most frequently used tools. No high-quality studies have reported on the differences in the efficacies and rates of complications associated with these two types of dilators. There is no consensus in the literature regarding the frequency of dilations or the diameter that should be achieved. The use of adjuvant treatments has been reported in cases of recalcitrant stenosis or strictures with evidence of dysphagic symptoms. Corticosteroids (either systemically or locally injected), the local application of mitomycin C, diathermy and laser ES sectioning have been reported. Some authors have suggested that stenting can reduce both the number of dilations and the treatment length. In many cases, this strategy is effective when either metallic or plastic stents are utilized. Treatment complications, such esophageal perforations, can be conservatively managed, considering surgery only in cases with severe pleural cavity involvement. In cases of stricture relapse, even if such relapses occur following the execution of well-conducted conservative strategies, surgical stricture resection and anastomosis or esophageal substitution are the only remaining options.

Evaluation of 968 children with corrosive substance ingestion

Background and Aims:

The aim of the study was to evaluate the etiology, treatment, and prognosis in children who had presented at our clinic with corrosive substance ingestion and comparison of our results with the literature.

Materials and Methods:

The patients were put on nil by mouth and broad-spectrum antibiotics were administered. Oral fluids were started for patients whose intraoral lesions resolved and who could swallow their saliva. Steroids were not given, a nasogastric catheter was not placed, and early endoscopy was not used.

Results:

A total of 968 children presented at our clinic for corrosive substance ingestion during the 22-year period. The stricture development rate was 13.5%. Alkali substance ingestion caused a stricture development rate of 23%. A total of 54 patients required 1–52 sessions (mean 15 ±12) of dilatation.

Conclusion:

We do not perform early endoscopy, administer steroids, or place a nasogastric catheter at our clinic for patients who had ingested a corrosive substance. This approach has provided results similar to other series. We feel that determining the burn with early esophagoscopy when factors that prevent or decrease the development of corrosive strictures will be very important.

Endoscopic Treatment of Gastric Outlet Obstruction Secondary to Accidental Acid Ingestion in a Child

Accidental corrosive ingestion is not rare in pediatric patients in developing countries. We report a case of gastric outlet obstruction after the accidental ingestion of an acidic substance by a child who was successfully treated with endoscopic balloon dilatation.

Intercontinental comparison of caustic ingestion in children

Purpose

To investigate the caustic ingestion in children among different continents according to demographic characteristics (core purpose), main symptoms, common caustic agents, signs and symptoms, management, treatment and complications.

Methods

This systematic review was performed by searching the databases Science Direct, ProQuest, Google Scholar, and PubMed, electronically and manually. We included studies that were published from 1980 to 2013, at University of Medical Sciences of Tabriz, Iran. A strategic search was performed with keywords including caustic, corrosive, ingestion and children, and was limited to articles in English and Persian. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS ver. 18.

Results

Of 63 selected articles of caustic ingestion with 9,888 samples, the proportion of Africa was 3 articles (4.8%) and 95 samples (1%), America 9 articles (14.3%) and 305 sample (3%), Asia 29 articles (46%) and 2,780 samples (28.1%), Europe 17 articles (27%) and 3,002 samples (30.4%), and Oceania 5 articles (7.9%) and 3,706 samples (37.5%). The average age was in the Africa 3.07±2.02 years, America 3.17±1.83 years, Asia 3.34±1.58 years, Europe 3.58±2.09 years and Oceania 3.52±2.02 years. Sex distribution was in Africa 76 males (0.91%) and 19 females (0.23%), America 49 males (0.58%) and 41 females (0.49%), Asia 1,575 males (18.76%) and 1,087 females (12.95%), Europe 1,018 males (12.13%) and 823 females (9.8%), and Oceania 1,918 males (22.85%) and 1,788 females (21.3%). Statistical analysis of the data indicated higher consumption in Europe and Oceania in the boys with higher average age of years.

Conclusion

The comparison of caustic ingestion indicated that the cause substances of caustic ingestion in children are different among continents, therefore prevention strategy and different treatment guidelines among continents will be needed.

Topical mitomycin C versus intralesional triamcinolone in the management of esophageal stricture due to caustic ingestion

BACKGROUND

Esophageal stricture due to caustic ingestion is one of the most difficult problems to manage. Esophageal dilations are the usual treatment and they require a great number of sessions in the majority of cases. This implies time, risks for the patient, anguish for the relatives, and very often, frustration for the physician.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy of the application of topical mitomycin C and intralesional triamcinolone in the prevention of post-dilation esophageal stricture recurrence.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A prospective, comparative, nonrandomized, and longitudinal study was conducted that compared a cohort of 16 patients treated with mitomycin C (2009-2012) with a retrospective cohort of 34 patients treated with triamcinolone (2002-2009).

RESULTS

The patients treated with intralesional triamcinolone had a median of 11 dilations (minimum 4 and maximum 24), whereas the median in the patients treated with topical mitomycin C was 4.5 (minimum 3 and maximum 8). The groups were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test, finding a statistically significant difference of a two-tailed P<.001. In the multiple linear regression model, the dependent variable was the number of dilations and the independent variables were the type of lesion and treatment. The result was an R(2) .676 with a significance level of P<.001, in which the regression coefficient for treatment was B -.682 (95% CI -8.286 to -5.025) and the lesion grade was B .435 (95% CI 2.043- 4.573). The ANOVA result was an F 49.08 and a P<.001 and showed that the independent variables of type of lesion and treatment had a linear relation with the number of dilations, reinforcing the fact that our results were not due to chance.

CONCLUSIONS

Topical mitomycin C considerably reduced the number of esophageal dilations compared with the use of intralesional triamcinolone to alleviate dysphagia, and therefore we suggest it as a treatment option in strictures due to caustic ingestion.

Therapy of caustic ingestion: new treatment considerations

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review will focus on therapeutic considerations and recent advances in treatment of caustic ingestion injuries.

RECENT FINDINGS

A retrospective study suggests that it may be safe to advance the endoscope beyond the first circumferential burn to allow for a more complete assessment of extent of injury. A randomized controlled prospective study suggested that a 3-day course of high-dose methylprednisolone might reduce the occurrence of esophageal stricture formation. Balloon dilatation has been shown to be as effective as other bougienage techniques with lower risk of perforations. Recent studies indicate that esophageal dilatation can be safely performed as early as 5-15 days after initial ingestion and may decrease risk for long-term stricture formation. The use of adjunctive treatment, such as topical mitomycin C and esophageal stents, shows promise in reducing the reoccurrence of stricture formation after dilatation.

SUMMARY

Caustic ingestion remains a significant problem in children, despite continued efforts to educate the public about ways to avoid this preventable accident. Because there are few good quality therapeutic trials in children, many of the current recommendations regarding treatment are based on expert opinion. Large, prospective, multicenter, controlled treatment trials are needed to identify the best protocols to prevent serious complications.

Endoscopic balloon dilatation of benign esophageal strictures in childhood: a 15-year experience

The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of endoscopic balloon dilatation (EBD) in childhood benign esophageal strictures. The medical records of 38 patients who underwent EBD from 1999 to 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic features, diagnoses, features of strictures, frequency and number of EBD, complications, outcome, and recurrence data were recorded. Median age was 1.5 years (0-14), and female/male ratio was 17/21 (n = 38). Primary diagnoses were corrosive esophageal stricture (n = 19) and esophageal atresia (n = 19). The length of strictures were less than 5 cm in 78.9% (n = 30). No complication was seen in 86.8% (n = 33). Perforation was seen in 10.5% (n = 4), and recurrent fistula was seen in 2.7% (n = 1). Total treatment lasted for 1 year (1-11). Dysphagia was relieved in 60.5% (n = 23). Recurrence was seen in 31.6% (n = 12). Treatment effectiveness was higher, and complication rates were lower in strictures shorter than 5 cm compared with longer ones (70% vs. 25%, P < 0.05, and 3.4% vs. 37.5%, P < 0.05). Although there was no statistical difference, treatment effectiveness rates were lower and complication and recurrence rates were higher in corrosive strictures compared with anastomotic ones (P > 0.05). EBD is a safe and efficient treatment choice in esophageal strictures, especially in strictures shorter than 5 cm and anastomotic strictures.

Nasogastric tube as protection for recurrent oesophageal stricture: A case report

This report presents the case of an 8.5-year-old boy with Down syndrome after experiencing extensive caustic injury to the oesophagus and stomach resulting from the accidental ingestion of concentrated sulphuric acid. The patient had undergone 32 unsuccessful endoscopic oesophageal stricture dilatations and stenting procedures performed over a period of 15 mo following the accident. Surgical reconstruction of the oesophagus was not possible due to previous gastric and cardiac surgeries for congenital conditions. Before referring the patient for salivary fistula surgery, the patient received a nasogastric tube with perforations located above the upper margin of the oesophageal stenosis for the passage of saliva and fluid. The tube was well tolerated and improved swallowing; however the backflow of gastric contents caused recurrent infections of the respiratory tract. To overcome these problems, we developed a double lumen, varying diameter, perforated tube for protection of the oesophageal closure. This nasogastric tube was found to be safe and decreased the need for hospitalization and further endoscopic procedures. This newly developed tube can thus be considered as a treatment option for patients with recurrent oesophageal stenosis and contraindications for surgical oesophageal reconstruction.

Emergent Treatment of Button Batteries in the Esophagus

Objectives:

The evolving epidemiology of pediatric button battery ingestion is alarming. Currently, assessment of the degree of damage relies heavily on the initial esophagoscopy in a manner similar to the management of caustic ingestion. We have noted that use of this classic approach may delay the return to normal oral intake. Using several cases treated at our institution, we illustrate the value of “close second-look esophagoscopy” (CSLE) in expediting a return to normal oral intake after button battery ingestion.

Methods:

We present a retrospective case series.

Results:

Five patients (11 to 18 months of age) with button batteries trapped in the cervical esophagus were recently managed at our institution. The batteries were lodged in the esophagus for durations ranging from 6 hours to 4 months. Three cases of initial grade III circumferential necrotic injury were downgraded to grade IIa after a CSLE performed 2 to 4 days after removal, and their management was appropriately changed.

Conclusions:

The injury and healing of cases of button batteries in the proximal esophagus appear to be variable; caustic injury, electrical mucosal damage, and direct pressure are thought to be several contributory factors. Performing a CSLE within 2 to 4 days after battery removal may provide more useful prognostic information. In certain cases, downgrading of the injury may facilitate an earlier return to an oral diet, use of fewer diagnostic tests, and a shorter hospital stay. The utility and timing of imaging, management of diet and medications, and acceptable follow-up plans are discussed within the context of guiding future research.

Fluoroscopic balloon dilatation for caustic esophageal stricture in children: an 8-year experience

PURPOSE

Esophageal balloon dilatation (EBD), when performed early and correctly, can efficiently treat caustic esophageal stricture (ES). Herein, we present 8 years of experience treating caustic ES, and discuss the technique as well as the complications.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 38 children in whom we performed fluoroscopic EBD under general anesthesia for caustic ES between November 2004 and November 2012 in our hospitals. The patients were grouped into the early dilatation group, who began EBD earlier (mean, 15 days) after caustic ingestion, and the late dilatation group who was referred later (mean, 34 days) for EBD by other centers. The ESs were classified into short and long strictures. Balloon size was increased gradually to a sufficient diameter over consecutive sessions. Characteristics of patients and ES, details of the EBD, and treatment results were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 369 EBD sessions were successfully performed in 38 children (aged 14 months to 14 years, median 3.5 years). In six patients, EBD treatments are continuing, one patient was lost to follow up, one patient who received a stent was excluded, and three returned to their previous centers. The remaining 27 patients were treated successfully by repeated EBD treatments. Nevertheless, in the early dilatation group (n=16), EBD treatment was significantly faster and shorter than that in the late dilatation group (n=11). In addition, the short stricture treatment was also of significantly shorter duration than the long stricture treatment. Six (1.6%) esophageal perforations occurred in five patients (13.2%); all were treated conservatively. There was no mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

For treatment of caustic ES, fluoroscopically guided EBD is safe and has a low rate of complications as well as a 100% success rate. However, it should be begun earlier, and in children, should be performed gently with balloons of gradually increasing appropriate diameters over consecutive sessions.

Endoscopic balloon dilatation of esophageal strictures in children

AIM OF THE STUDY

To assess the efficacy and safety of endoscopic balloon dilatation of esophageal strictures in children.

DESIGN

retrospective case series; population: 49 patients under 18 years of age referred to our center for esophageal strictures; treatment: endoscopic balloon dilatation; outcome parameters: residual dysphagia, weight gain, iatrogenic esophageal perforation, assessment of the esophageal lumen by endoscopy or esophagogram.

RESULTS

The three main etiologies were esophageal atresia (49%; n=24), corrosive injury (25%; n=12), and epidermolysis bullosa (14%; n=7), followed by a heterogeneous group of rarer causes (12%; n=6). The number of dilatations ranged from 1 to 8 sessions per patient (median ± SEM: 2 ± 0.3). The length of the follow-up period ranged from 20 to 109 months (median ± SEM: 40 ± 4 months). Treatment was successful in 86% of cases (n=42). Twelve percent of patients (n=6) had a residual stenosis requiring surgery, and a further one still experienced swallowing difficulties requiring enteral nutrition via gastrostomy in spite of the absence of significant residual stricture. Results were less satisfactory in cases of corrosive injury than with other etiologies. Three esophageal perforations were observed (6% of patients; 2% of procedures). All were medically treated.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic balloon dilatation is a simple, safe and efficacious treatment of esophageal strictures in children.

The role of age in predicting the outcome of caustic ingestion in adults: a retrospective analysis

Background

Although the outcomes of caustic ingestion differ between children and adults, it is unclear whether such outcomes differ among adults as a function of their age. This retrospective study was performed to ascertain whether the clinical outcomes of caustic ingestion differ significantly between elderly and non-elderly adults.

Methods

Medical records of patients hospitalized for caustic ingestion between June 1999 and July 2009 were reviewed retrospectively. Three hundred eighty nine patients between the ages of 17 and 107 years were divided into two groups: non-elderly (< 65 years) and elderly (≥ 65 years). Mucosal damage was graded using esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). Parameters examined in this study included gender, intent of ingestion, substance ingested, systemic and gastrointestinal complications, psychological and systemic comorbidities, severity of mucosal injury, and time to expiration.

Results

The incidence of psychological comorbidities was higher for the non-elderly group. By contrast, the incidence of systemic comorbidities, the grade of severity of mucosal damage, and the incidence of systemic complications were higher for the elderly group. The percentages of ICU admissions and deaths in the ICU were higher and the cumulative survival rate was lower for the elderly group. Elderly subjects, those with systemic complications had the greatest mortality risk due to caustic ingestion.

Conclusions

Caustic ingestion by subjects ≥65 years of age is associated with poorer clinical outcomes as compared to subjects < 65 years of age; elderly subjects with systemic complications have the poorest clinical outcomes. The severity of gastrointestinal tract injury appears to have no impact on the survival of elderly subjects.