Corrosive injury of the upper gastrointestinal tract: the evolving role of a radiologist.

Corrosive injury is a devastating injury which carries significant morbidity. The upper gastrointestinal tract is predominantly affected with severity ranging from mild inflammation to full thickness necrosis which may result in perforation and death. Among the complications, stricture formation is most common, causing dysphagia and malnutrition. Endoscopy has a pivotal role in the diagnosis and management, with a few shortcomings. Imaging has an important role to play. Besides radiography, there is an increasing role of CT scan in the emergency setting with good accuracy in identifying patients who are likely to benefit from surgery. Further, CT scan has a role in the diagnosis of complications. Oral contrast studies help in assessing the severity and extent of stricture formation and associated fistulous complications in the subacute and chronic phase. The scope of intervention radiology for this condition is increasing. Fluoroscopy-guided balloon dilatation, drainage of collections or mucoceles, endovascular embolization of point bleeders, placement of feeding jejunostomy and image-guided biopsy are among the procedures that are being performed. Through this review we aim to stress the role the radiologist plays in the diagnosis and follow-up of these patients and in performing radiological interventions. Besides this, we have also highlighted few salient points to help understand the pathophysiology and management of such injuries which is paramount to ensure a good long-term outcome.

The healing effects of Hyperium perforatum (St. John's Wort) on experimental alkaline corrosive eosephageal and stomach burns.

BACKGROUND: The most frequent etiologic cause is alkaline substances. We investigated the protective effects of the plant St. John 's Wort (Hypericum perforatum). METHODS: We included 42 Wistar albino rats weighing between 200-300 grams and divided into six groups as Group 1: Control, Group 2: Burn+Saline (BS), Group 3: Burn+St. John's Wort (BSJW), Group 4: Burn+Plasebo (BP), Group 5: St. John's Wort (SJW), Group 6: Placebo (P). After 15 days of treatment, esophagus, stomach and liver tissue samples were derived by dissection for histopathologic and biochemical markers. The cytotoxic effects of formulation on fibroblasts is evaluated in vitro on human dermoblast fibroblast line (HDFa, Gibco Invitrogen cell culture, C-013-5C). RESULTS: The weight of the rats increased in Group 1, 3, 4, 6, decreased in Group 2 and did not change in Group 5. In the BSJW group, submucosal collagen accumulation, muscularis mucosa damage, tunica muscularis damage and collagen accumulation in esophagus were similar to the control group but lesser than BS and placebo group. In the stomach, mucosal damage, gastric gland dilatation, submucosal polymorphonuclear infiltration were similar to the control group and lesser than the BS group. The lethal concentration of SJW was 2.58 gr/mL. CONCLUSION: SJW substrate is effective in protecting the esophagus and stomach in mild to moderate alcali corrosive burns in the subacute period. We should keep in mind the protective effects of STW substrate in alkaline corrosive burns of the gastrointestinal system.

Transcatheter arterial embolization versus surgery for refractory non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Nowadays, very few patients with non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding fail endoscopic hemostasis (refractory NVUGIB). This subset of patients poses a clinical dilemma: should they be operated on or referred to transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE)? OBJECTIVES: To carry out a systematic review of the literature and to perform a meta-analysis of studies that directly compare TAE and surgery in patients with refractory NVUGIB. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and Embase. A combination of the MeSH terms "gastrointestinal bleeding"; "gastrointestinal hemorrhage"; "embolization"; "embolization, therapeutic"; and "surgery" were used (("gastrointestinal bleeding" or "gastrointestinal hemorrhage") and ("embolization" or "embolization, therapeutic") and "surgery")). The search was performed in June 2018. Studies were retrieved and relevant studies were identified after reading the study title and abstract. Bibliographies of the selected studies were also examined. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan software. Outcomes considered were all-cause mortality, rebleeding rate, complication rate, and the need for further intervention. RESULTS: Eight hundred fifty-six abstracts were found. Only 13 studies were included for a total of 1077 patients (TAE group 427, surgery group 650). All selected papers were non-randomized studies: ten were single-center and two were double-center retrospective comparative studies, while only one was a multicenter prospective cohort study. No comparative randomized clinical trial is reported in the literature.Mortality. Pooled data (1077 patients) showed a tendency toward improved mortality rates after TAE, but this trend was not statistically significant (OD = 0.77; 95% CI 0.50, 1.18; P = 0.05; I 2 = 43% [random effects]). Significant heterogeneity was found among the studies.Rebleeding rate. Pooled data (865 patients, 211 events) showed that the incidence of rebleeding was significantly higher for patients undergoing TAE (OD = 2.44; 95% CI 1.77, 3.36; P = 0.41; I 2 = 4% [fixed effects]).Complication rate. Pooling of the data (487 patients, 206 events) showed a sharp reduction of complications after TAE when compared with surgery (OD = 0.45; 95% CI 0.30, 0.47; P = 0.24; I 2 = 26% [fixed effects]).Need for further intervention. Pooled data (698 patients, 165 events) revealed a significant reduction of further intervention in the surgery group (OD = 2.13; 95% CI 1.21, 3.77; P = 0.02; I 2 = 56% [random effects]). A great degree of heterogeneity was found among the studies. CONCLUSIONS: The present study shows that TAE is a safe and effective procedure; when compared to surgery, TAE exhibits a higher rebleeding rate, but this tendency does not affect the clinical outcome as shown by the comparison of mortality rates (slight drift toward lower mortality for patients undergoing TAE). The present study suggests that TAE could be a viable option for the first-line therapy of refractory NVUGIB and sets the foundation for the design of future randomized clinical trials. LIMITATIONS: The retrospective nature of the majority of included studies leads to selection bias. Furthermore, the decision of whether to proceed with surgery or refer to TAE was made on a case-by-case basis by each attending surgeon. Thus, external validity is low. Another limitation involves the variability in etiology of the refractory bleeding. TAE techniques and surgical procedure also differ consistently between different studies. Frame time for mortality detection differs between the studies. These limitations do not impair the power of the present study that represents the largest and most recent meta-analysis currently available.

Enfrentamiento de la ingesta de cuerpo extraño en un Hospital Regional del sur de Chile / Management of foreign body ingestion at a Regional Hospital in southern Chile

Introducción: La ingesta de cuerpos extraños (ICE) es frecuente en pediatría y puede llevar a complicaciones. Nuestro objetivo es revisar la experiencia de nuestro centro en el manejo de estos pacientes y proponer un protocolo de tratamiento. Material y Método: Estudio transversal retrospectivo, observacional y descriptivo, en el cual se revisaron los informes endoscópicos y fichas de pacientes con diagnóstico de ICE manejados por la Unidad de Endoscopia Pediátrica del Hospital Clínico Regional de Concepción entre enero de 2013 y junio de 2017 (53 meses), totalizando 40 casos. El registro y análisis de los datos se realizó con Microsoft® Excel 2016® para MacOS®. Resultados: El promedio de edad fue de 3,96 ± 3,24 años. La moda estadística fue de 2 años. A todos los pacientes se les realizó una endoscopia digestiva alta. El CE más frecuente fue la moneda (61,9%). En 6 casos (14,2%) fue una pila de botón. La retención de CE fue en tercio proximal del esófago (30,9%), el cuerpo gástrico (26,2%) y el tercio distal del esófago (14,2%), extrayéndose principalmente con pinza de cuerpo extraño (90,4%). El 57,5% evidenció alguna lesión relacionada a la ubicación del CE, siendo la más grave la producida por pila de botón. Conclusión: La ICE en niños es una entidad potencialmente peligrosa, por lo que se hace necesario disponer de una unidad de endoscopia pediátrica y protocolos de manejo para evitar complicaciones, sobre todo con objetos de alto riesgo.

Introduction: Foreign body ingestion (FBI) is common in pediatrics and can lead to complications. The aim of the present study is to review the experience of our center in the management of these patients and to propose a treatment protocol. Material and Method: Retrospective, observational and descriptive cross-sectional study, in which the endoscopic reports and records of patients diagnosed with IFB managed by the Pediatric Endoscopy Unit of the Regional Clinical Hospital of Concepción between January 2013 and June 2017 (53 months) were reviewed, with a total of 40 cases. Data recording and analysis was performed with Microsoft® Excel 2016® for MacOS®. Results: The average age was 3,96 ± 3,24 years. The statistical fashion was 2 years. All patients underwent a upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The most frequent FB was the coin (61,9%). In 6 opportunities (14,2%) was a button batery. FB retention was in the proximal third of the esophagus (30,9%), the gastric body (26,2%) and the distal third of the esophagus (14,2%), being extracted mainly with foreign body clamp (90,4%). The 57,5% showed some injury related to the location of the FB, being the most serious the produced by button batery. Conclusion: FBI in children is a potentially dangerous entity, so it becomes necessary to have a pediatric endoscopy unit and treatment protocols to avoid complications, especially with high-risk objects.

[Clinical features and prognosis of gastrointestinal injury due to foreign bodies in the upper gastrointestinal tract in children: a retrospective analysis of 217 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical features and prognosis of gastrointestinal injury caused by foreign bodies in the upper gastrointestinal tract in children. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of 217 children who were diagnosed with foreign bodies in the upper gastrointestinal tract complicated by gastrointestinal injury by gastroscopy from January 2011 to December 2016, including clinical features, gastroscopic findings, complications, and prognosis. RESULTS: Among the 217 children, 114 (52.5%) were aged 1-3 years. The most common foreign body was coin (99/217, 45.6%), followed by hard/sharp-edged food (45/217, 20.7%) and metal (35/217, 16.1%). The most common gastrointestinal mucosal injury was ulceration (43.8%), followed by erosion (33.2%). Compared with other foreign bodies, button cells were significantly more likely to cause esophageal perforation (P<0.01). The esophagus was the most commonly injured organ (207/217, 95.4%). Of all the 217 children, 24 (11.1%) experienced infection. The children with perforation caused by foreign bodies had a significantly higher incidence rate of infection than those with ulceration caused by foreign bodies (P=0.003). Of all the 217 children, 204 (94.0%) underwent successful endoscopic removal of foreign bodies. Among these children, 98 were hospitalized due to severe mucosal injury and were given anti-infective therapy, antacids, and supportive care including enteral nutrition through a nasogastric tube and/or parenteral nutrition. Of all the children, 10 left the hospital and were lost to follow-up, and all the other children were improved and discharged. CONCLUSIONS: Most cases of foreign bodies in the upper gastrointestinal tract occur at 1-3 years of age. Coin, hard/sharp-edged food, and metal are the most common foreign bodies. Button cells are more likely to cause esophageal perforation. The incidence rate of secondary infection increases with the increasing severity of gastrointestinal mucosal injury. Children undergoing endoscopic removal of foreign bodies and enteral nutrition through a nasogastric tube tend to have a good prognosis.

Non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB) is bleeding that develops in the oesophagus, stomach or proximal duodenum. Peptic ulcers, caused by Helicobacter pylori infection or use of NSAIDs and low-dose aspirin (LDA), are the most common cause. Although the incidence and mortality associated with NVUGIB have been decreasing owing to considerable advances in the prevention and management of NVUGIB over the past 20 years, it remains a common clinical problem with an annual incidence of ∼67 per 100,000 individuals in the United States in 2012. NVUGIB is a medical emergency, and mortality is in the range ∼1-5%. After resuscitation and initial assessment, early (within 24 hours) diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy together with intragastric pH control with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) form the basis of treatment. With a growing ageing population treated with antiplatelet and/or anticoagulant medications, the clinical management of NVUGIB is complex as the risk between gastrointestinal bleeding events and adverse cardiovascular events needs to be balanced. The best clinical approach includes identification of risk factors and prevention of bleeding; available strategies include continuous treatment with PPIs or H. pylori eradication in those at increased risk of developing NVUGIB. Treatment with PPIs and/or use of cyclooxygenase-2-selective NSAIDs should be implemented in those patients at risk of NVUGIB who need NSAIDs and/or LDA.

Minimally invasive substernal colonic transposition for corrosive strictures of the upper aerodigestive tract.

Corrosive upper aerodigestive tract strictures are conventionally treated by open surgery. Surgical advancements permit these strictures to be addressed with minimal invasion. Corrosive strictures treated minimally invasively over a 2-year period (2014-2015) were audited. Colonic mobilization and retrosternal tunneling were performed laparoscopically. The left colic vessel-based isoperistaltic colonic/ileocolonic segment was transposed substernally into the neck, aided by miniceliotomy. Proximal anastomosis was side-to-side esophagocolic in all patients except those who underwent pharyngolaryngectomy or partial laryngectomy, where pharyngocolic/pyriform fossa-ileal anastomosis was employed. Distal anastomoses were colo-jejunal and colocolic/ileocolic in all the patients. Enteral nutrition and ambulation were commenced on the first postoperative day. Oral nutrition was commenced following a normal contrast swallow on the seventh postoperative day. Patients were followed up on an outpatient basis. Ten adults, aged between 19 and 40 years, were treated for acid-induced strictures. Esophagus and stomach were multiply strictured in all patients. Additionally, duodenum was involved in two patients while pharynx and larynx were strictured in three patients. Two patients underwent pharyngolaryngectomy. One patient underwent partial laryngectomy. The average operative time was 240 minutes (range: 210-300 minutes). The mean blood loss was 150 mL (range: 100-200 mL). One patient (10%) had cervical anastomotic leak on the ninth postoperative day, which was resolved spontaneously. One patient (10%) had proximal anastomotic stricture, requiring dilatation thrice. One patient (10%) had the transient left recurrent laryngeal nerve paresis, which was resolved spontaneously. All the patients are on oral solid diet. The followup ranged from 5 months to 2 years. Minimal access substernal colonic transposition is feasible and efficacious in restoring alimentary continuity in corrosive strictures.

[Caustics injuries in the upper gastrointestinal tract: clinical and endoscopic features]. / Lesiones por cáusticos del tracto digestivo superior: características clínicas y endoscópicas.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical and endoscopic features of caustics injuries in the upper gastrointestinal tract in patients of the National Hospital Daniel Alcides Carrión. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive study was conducted; the study populations were patients diagnosed with caustic ingestion who were admitted into the Gastroenterology service of the HNDAC to perform an upper endoscopy during the period of January 2009 to December 2012. We documented the type of caustic substance ingested, cause of intake, amount ingested, intake mode, signs or symptoms present, endoscopic findings as classified by Zargar, presence of complications and treatment performed. Analysis was performed comparing them based on the ingested caustic type: acid or alkali. RESULTS: We obtained 91 patients; the average age was 30.6±16.3 years. Caustic substances ingested were: bleach (sodium hypochlorite) in 71 (78%) patients, muriatic acid (hydrochloric acid) in 18 (20%) patients, caustic soda in 2 (2%) patients. The average intake was 136ml (30-500 ml). The most frequent signs and symptoms were vomiting, abdominal pain, nausea and sore throat. The 46% of patients had injuries. 100% of patients who ingested acid and 33% who ingested alkali had lesions. Five (5%) patients had oropharyngeal lesions, 24 (26%) in the esophagus, 36 (40%) in the stomach and 12 (13%) in the duodenum. Grade I lesions were found in 10 (11%) patients, 16 (18%) patients with grade II lesions and 15 (16%) of patients with grade III, 12 patients who toke acid had lesions of grade III. Esophageal stricture was found in 2 (2%) patients, gastric stenosis in 7 (8%) patients and esophageal and gastric stenosis in 3 (3%) patients. Two patients required pneumatic dilation and 10 surgical treatments. CONCLUSION: Most injuries were found in the stomach. Acidic injuries occur more frequently and with greater severity than alkaline. Acidic substances produce esophageal or gastric stenosis more frequently than alkaline.

Surgical Endoscopic Vacuum Therapy for Defects of the Upper Gastrointestinal Tract.

INTRODUCTION: Intraluminal therapy used in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract was first shown for anastomotic leaks after rectal resection. Since a few years vacuum sponge therapy is increasingly being recognized as a new promising method for repairing upper GI defects of different etiology. The principles of vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) therapy remain the same no matter of localization: Continuous or intermittent suction and drainage decrease bacterial contamination, secretion, and local edema. At the same time, perfusion and granulation is promoted. However, data for endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT) of the upper intestinal tract are still scarce and consist of only a few case reports and small series with low number of patients. OBJECTIVES: Here, we present a single center experience of EVT for substantial wall defects in the upper GI tract. METHODS: Retrospective single-center analysis of EVT for various defects of the upper GI tract over a time period of 4 years (2011-2015) with a mean follow-up of 17 (2-45) months was used. If necessary, initial endoscopic sponge placement was performed in combination with open surgical revision. RESULTS: In total, 126 polyurethane sponges were placed in upper gastrointestinal defects of 21 patients with a median age of 72 years (range, 49-80). Most frequent indication for EVT was anastomotic leakage after esophageal or gastric resection (n = 11) and iatrogenic esophageal perforation (n = 8). The median number of sponge insertions was five (range, 1-14) with a mean changing interval of 3 days (range, 2-4). Median time of therapy was 15 days (range, 3-46). EVT in combination with surgery took place in nine of 21 patients (43 %). A successful vacuum therapy for upper intestinal defects with local control of the septic focus was achieved in 19 of 21 patients (90.5 %). CONCLUSION: EVT is a promising approach for postoperative, iatrogenic, or spontaneous lesions of the upper GI tract. In this series, EVT was combined with operative revision in a relevant proportion of patients.

Severe upper gastrointestinal bleeding from aortoenteric fistula: a late complication of esophagojejunostomy.

Aortoenteric fistula is an uncommon cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, which is life-threatening if not treated. This complication may occur even months to years after surgery [Mitchel 1995]. It is commonly observed in patients who have undergone previous aortic surgery and rarely occurs in patients with a history of gastrointestinal tract surgery [Brock 1953]. The diagnosis of aortoenteric fistula depends on a high level of clinical suspicion. Herein, we report a case of a 53-year-old man who underwent surgical treatment because of new-onset severe gastrointestinal bleeding that was related to an aortoenteric fistula.

Computed tomography of iatrogenic complications of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, stenting, and intubation.

Intraluminal procedures for the gastrointestinal tract range from simple intubation for feeding or bowel decompression to endoscopic procedures including stenting and pancreatobiliary ductal catheterization. Each of these procedures and interventions carries a risk of iatrogenic injury, including bleeding, perforation, infection, adhesions, and obstruction. An understanding of how anatomy and function may predispose to injury, and the distinct patterns of injury, can help the radiologist identify and characterize iatrogenic injury rapidly at computed tomography (CT) imaging. Furthermore, selective use of intravenous or oral CT contrast material can help reveal injury and triage clinical management.

Foreign bodies and caustic lesions.

Foreign body ingestions, food bolus impactions, and caustic agent injuries are frequent but specific situations. Although most foreign bodies will naturally pass through the digestive tract, practitioners should recognize specific situations were endoscopic management is required. In such cases, timing and adequate equipment are critical. Endoscopic treatment is successful in about 95% of patients. Severe complications (including oesophageal perforations) are rare. Underlying diseases (including eosinophilic oesophagitis) must be investigated after food bolus impaction. Accidental or suicidal ingestion of corrosive agents may result in severe upper gastrointestinal tract injuries requiring a multidisciplinary approach including gastroenterologists, surgeons, otorhynolaryngologists, anaesthesiologists and psychiatrists. Treatment includes conservative management of patients with mild injuries, while patients with severe injuries undergo emergency surgical exploration. At distance of the ingestion episode, oesophageal reconstruction is required in patients who underwent oesophageal resection and in patients who developed oesophageal strictures that failed dilatation.

Acurácia da ultrassonografia endoscópica no diagnóstico diferencial dos abaulamentos subepiteliais do trato gastrointestinal / Accuracy of endoscopic ultrasound in the differential diagnosis of subepithelial bulging of the gastrointestinal tract

INTRODUÇÃO: A ultrassonografia endoscópica é importante ferramenta para o diagnóstico diferencial dos abaulamentos subepiteliais do trato gastrointestinal por permitir delinear as diferentes camadas da parede do tubo digestivo. Neste estudo, analisamos o papel do método na avaliação das lesões intramurais subepiteliais e das compressões extrínsecas do trato gastrointestinal. MÉTODOS: Uma análise retrospectiva do papel da ultrassonografia endoscópica para pacientes encaminhados com abaulamentos subepiteliais do esôfago, estômago, duodeno e retossigmoide foi conduzida em um centro de referência pelo mesmo examinador (CVL). Os achados ecográficos analisados foram a natureza da lesão, sua camada de origem, tamanho, bordos, ecogenicidade, homogeneidade e diagnóstico presuntivo. RESULTADOS: De setembro/2009 a março/2013, 126 pacientes (63,5% mulheres; idade média: 51,6 anos) com 128 abaulamentos subepiteliais à endoscopia foram analisados. Das 128 lesões, 104 (81,2%) eram lesões intramurais. Outros 24 (18,8%) abaulamentos eram compressões extrínsecas, na maioria dos casos (n = 21), por órgãos e estruturas normais. Para a detecção de lesões intramurais pela imagem da ultrassonografia endoscópica, a sensibilidade, especificidade, valores preditivos positivo e negativo, e a acurácia do método foram de, respectivamente, 98,1%, 92%, 98,1%, 92% e 96,9%. Por sua vez, para a detecção de compressões extrínsecas pela ultrassonografia endoscópica, os mesmos parâmetros foram de, respectivamente, 92%, 100%, 100%, 98,1% e 98,5%. Quando da punção ecoguiada para lesões intramurais, agulhas calibrosas e lesões maiores de 2cm apresentaram melhores resultados quanto ao diagnóstico diferencial. CONCLUSÕES: A ultrassonografia endoscópica é método de grande acurácia para o diagnóstico diferencial entre lesões subepiteliais intramurais e compressões extrínsecas do trato gastrointestinal

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic ultrasonography is an important tool for the differential diagnosis of gastrointestinal subepithelial bulges because it allows to outline the different layers of the wall of the digestive tract. In this study, we analyzed the role of the method in the evaluation of subepithelial intramural lesions and extrinsic compressions of the gastrointestinal tract. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the role of endoscopic ultrasound for patients with subepithelial bulges of the esophagus, stomach, duodenum and rectosigmoid was conducted in a reference center by the same examiner (CVL). The sonographic findings analyzed were the nature of the injury, its layer of origin, size, borders, echogenicity, homogeneity, and presumptive diagnosis. RESULTS: From September 2009 to March 2013, 126 patients (63.5% women, mean age: 51.6 years) with 128 subepithelial bulges at endoscopy were analyzed. Of the 128 lesions, 104 (81.2%) were intramural lesions. Other 24 (18.8%) bulges were extrinsic compressions, in most cases (n = 21) by normal organs and structures. For the detection of intramural lesions by endoscopic ultrasound image, the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy of the method were, respectively, 98.1%, 92%, 98.1%, 92% and 96.9%. In turn, for the detection of extrinsic compression by endoscopic ultrasound, the same parameters were, respectively, 92%, 100%, 100%, 98.1% and 98.5%. For ultrasonographic-guided puncture for intramural lesions, thicker needles and lesions larger than 2 cm showed better outcomes concerning differential diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic ultrasound is a highly accurate method for the differential diagnosis between subepithelial intramural lesions and extrinsic compressions of the gastrointestinal tract

Lesiones intestinales por imanes. Serie de casos / Magnet intestinal lesions. Case series

La ingesta de cuerpos extraños es una entidad frecuente en la población pediátrica; la mayoría de los casos ocurren entre los 6 meses y los 3 años. En general, la gran mayoría de los cuerpos extraños no se asocian con morbi-mortalidad. La ingestión de 2 o más imanes puede llevar a obstrucción, formación de fístulas, ulceración, perforación y volvulación del intestino. En esta serie se presentan 4 casos de pacientes con ingesta de múltiples imanes y quienes, dadas las características del cuerpo extraño ingerido y el cuadro clínico, requirieron tratamiento quirúrgico(AU)

The ingestion of foreign bodies is a common trouble in the pediatric population, and most of cases occur between 6 months and 3 years. In general the vast majority of foreign bodies are not associated with morbidity or mortality. Ingestion of two or more magnets can lead to obstruction, fistulas, ulceration, perforation and bowel volvulus. In this series we present 4 cases of patients ingesting multiple magnets and who due to the ingested foreign body characteristics and clinical profile required surgical treatment (AU)

Caustic injury of the upper gastrointestinal tract: a comprehensive review.

Prevention has a paramount role in reducing the incidence of corrosive ingestion especially in children, yet this goal is far from being reached in developing countries, where such injuries are largely unreported and their true prevalence simply cannot be extrapolated from random articles or personal experience. The specific pathophysiologic mechanisms are becoming better understood and may have a role in the future management and prevention of long-term consequences, such as esophageal strictures. Whereas the mainstay of diagnosis is considered upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, computed tomography and ultrasound are gaining a more significant role, especially in addressing the need for emergency surgery, whose morbidity and mortality remains high even in the best hands. The need to perform emergency surgery has a persistent long-term negative impact both on survival and functional outcome. Medical or endoscopic prevention of stricture is debatable, yet esophageal stents, absorbable or not, show promising data. Dilatation is the first therapeutic option for strictures and bougies should be considered especially for long, multiple and tortuous narrowing. It is crucial to avoid malnutrition, especially in developing countries where management strategies are influenced by malnutrition and poor clinical conditions. Late reconstructive surgery, mainly using colon transposition, offers the best results in referral centers, either in children or adults, but such a difficult surgical procedure is often unavailable in developing countries. Possible late development of esophageal cancer, though probably overemphasized, entails careful and long-term endoscopic screening.

Hyaluronic acid gel injection to prevent thermal injury of adjacent gastrointestinal tract during percutaneous liver radiofrequency ablation.

This study evaluated the safety, feasibility, and clinical utility of hyaluronic acid gel injection to separate the gastrointestinal tract from the tumor during liver radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Eleven patients with liver tumors measuring 0.9-3.5 cm (mean ± standard deviation, 2.1 ± 0.8 cm) that were adjacent to the gastrointestinal tracts received RFA after the mixture of hyaluronic acid gel and contrast material (volume, 26.4 ± 14.5 mL; range, 10-60 mL) was injected between the tumor and the gastrointestinal tract under computed tomographic-fluoroscopic guidance. Each tumor was separated from the gastrointestinal tract by 1.0-1.5 cm (distance, 1.2 ± 0.2 cm) after injection of hyaluronic acid gel, and subsequent RFA was performed without any complications in all patients. Although tumor enhancement disappeared in all patients, local tumor progression was found in a patient (9.1%, 1 of 11) during the follow-up of 5.5 ± 3.2 months (range, 0.4-9.9 months). In conclusion, hyaluronic acid gel injection is a safe and useful technique to avoid thermal injury of the adjacent gastrointestinal tract during liver RFA.

Lesiones por cáusticos del tracto digestivo superior: características clínicas y endoscópicas en el Hospital Nacional Daniel Alcides Carrión / Injuries by caustic of upper digestive tract: clinical and endoscopic features at the National Hospital Daniel Alcides Carrion

OBJETIVO: Describir las características clínicas y endoscópicas de las lesiones producidas por cáusticos en el tracto digestivo superior en pacientes del Hospital Nacional Daniel Alcides Carrión. MATERIALES Y METODOS: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, la población estudiada fue pacientes con diagnóstico de ingesta de cáusticos los cuales fueron admitidos en el servicio de Gastroenterología del HNDAC para la realización de una endoscopia digestiva alta durante el periodo de enero del 2009 a diciembre del 2012. Se documentó el tipo de sustancia caústica ingerida, causa de ingesta, cantidad ingerida, modo de ingesta, síntomas o signos presentes, hallazgos endoscópicos según la clasificación de Zargar, presencia de complicaciones y tratamiento realizado. Se realizó el análisis comparándolos según a la edad como pediátrica y adulta; y a la sustancia caústica ingerida: ácido o álcali. RESULTADOS: Se obtuvieron 98 pacientes, 91 adultos y 7 pediátricos, la edad promedio en adultos fue de 30.6±16.3 años y en pediátricos 8.7±5.3 años. Las sustancias caústicas ingeridas fueron: lejía (hipoclorito de sodio) en 75 (76 por ciento) pacientes, ácido muriático (ácido clorhídrico) en 19 (20 por ciento) pacientes, soda caústica en 3 (3 por ciento) pacientes y batería de celular (iones de litio) en 1 (1 por ciento) paciente. La cantidad promedio ingerida en adultos fue de 136ml (entre 30-500ml) y 47ml (entre 20-150ml) en pediátricos. Los síntomas y signos más frecuentes fueron: vómitos, dolor abdominal, náuseas y odinofagia. El 46 por ciento de los adultos y el 57 por ciento de los niños presentaron lesiones. El 100 por ciento de los pacientes que ingirieron ácido y el 34 por ciento de los que ingirieron álcali presentaron lesiones. Ocho (8 por ciento) pacientes presentaron lesiones orofaríngeas, 26 (27 por ciento) en esófago, 36 (37 por ciento) en estómago y 12 (12 por ciento) en duodeno. Se encontró 12 (12 por ciento) pacientes con lesiones de grado I, 16 (16 por ciento)...

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical and endoscopic features of caustics injuries in the upper gastrointestinal tract in patients of the National Hospital Daniel Alcides Carrión. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive study was conducted; the study population was patients diagnosed with caustic ingestion who were admitted into the Gastroenterology service of the HNDAC to perform an upper endoscopy during the period of January 2009 to December 2012. We documented the type of caustic substance ingested, cause of intake, amount ingested, intake mode, signs or symptoms present, endoscopic findings as classified by Zargar, presence of complications and treatment performed. Analysis was performed comparing them based on adult and pediatric age, and ingested caustic type: acid or alkali. RESULTS: were obtained 98 patients, 91 adults and 7 pediatrics; adults average age was 30.6±16.3 years and 8.7±5.3 years in pediatrics. Caustic substances ingested were: bleach (sodium hypochlorite) in 75 (76 per cent) patients, muriatic acid (hydrochloric acid) in 19 (20 per cent) patients, caustic soda in 3 (3 per cent) patients and cell battery (lithium-lithium) in 1 (1 per cent) patient. The average adult intake was 136ml (30-500ml) and 47ml (20-150ml) in pediatric patients. The most frequent signs and symptoms were vomiting, abdominal pain, nausea and sore throat. The 46 per cent of adults and 57 per cent of children had caustic injuries. 100 per cent of patients who ingested acid and 34 per cent who ingested alkali had lesions. Eight (8 per cent) patients had oropharyngeal lesions, 26 (27 per cent) in the esophagus, 36 (37 per cent) in the stomach and 12 (12 per cent) in the duodenum. Grade I lesions were found in 12 (12 per cent) patients, 16 (16 per cent) patients with grade II lesions and 15 (15 per cent) of patients with grade III, 12 patients who toke acid had lesions of grade III. Esophageal stricture was found in 2 patients, gastric stenosis in 7 (8 per cent) patients and...