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World J Gastroenterol. Jul 7, 2013; 19(25): 3918-3930
Published online Jul 7, 2013. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i25.3918
Published online Jul 7, 2013. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i25.3918
Caustic injury of the upper gastrointestinal tract: A comprehensive review
Sandro Contini, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy
Carmelo Scarpignato, Clinical Pharmacology and Digestive Pathophysiology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy
Author contributions: Both authors substantially contributed to the article and approved the final version to be published.
Correspondence to: Sandro Contini, MD, Former Professor of Surgery, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Parma, Strada S. Eurosia 45/B, 43125 Parma, Italy. sandrocontini46@gmail.com
Telephone: +39-348-5656989 Fax: +39-348-5656989
Received: February 4, 2013
Revised: March 24, 2013
Accepted: April 27, 2013
Published online: July 7, 2013
Processing time: 152 Days and 3.4 Hours
Revised: March 24, 2013
Accepted: April 27, 2013
Published online: July 7, 2013
Processing time: 152 Days and 3.4 Hours
Core Tip
Core tip: The incidence of corrosive ingestion is high and largely unreported in developing countries, where prevention is lacking. Computed tomography and endoscopic ultrasound are gaining a more meaningful role in addressing the need for emergency surgery. The need to perform emergency surgery has a persistent long-term negative impact both on survival and functional outcome. Prevention of stricture is still a debatable issue, yet esophageal stents may offer promising outcomes. It is crucial to avoid malnutrition, especially in developing countries where management strategies are conditioned by poor clinical conditions. Late reconstructive surgery is often unavailable in developing countries.