Treatment of chemical agent ingestion remain controversial. The incidence of these episodes has increased over the several last decades due to a variety reasons. PURPOSE: To analise the occurance, complications and results of the treatment of chemically induced esophagogastric injury. METHODS: Twenty-one adult patients with chemically induced esophagogastric injury were retrospectively studied. The patients were admitted up to 23 days after ingestion of a chemical agent to the Emergency Department of Santa Casa of Sao Paulo University Hospital from August, in a 12-year period. The mean age was 32,1 years. Eleven patients were of the female gender, which attempted suicide. Soda was the most ingested agent (76,2%), muriatic acid was present in three cases (14,3%) followed by one case of sulfur acid and another one of ammonia (4,8% each). RESULTS: Injuries of the Larynx and Pharynx were frequently associated with those of the esophagus, accounting for 18 cases (85,7%). Esophageal, gastric and duodenal injuries were assessed and classified according to endoscopic features. Five cases each of severe esophageal or gastric lesions were present. CONCLUSION: Teatment and outcome varied and suggested placement of esophageal tube to be harmful. Global mortality rate was 28,6% with the highest rate related to esophageal injuries of the third degree.
Caustic injury of the esophagus; Caustic injury of the stomach
