[Endoscopic dilatation of caustic esophageal strictures].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the results of endoscopic dilatation in caustic esophageal strictures and to analyze the factors associated with a favorable response.


METHODS
We performed a retrospective study of 33 patients who underwent dilatation with Savary bougie between 1989 and 2001. Response to initial dilatation and outcome during follow-up were analyzed.


RESULTS
The mean age was 50 years (8-83) and 58% were women. Intake was accidental in 29 (88%). In all patients, the caustic substance ingested was alkali. Dilatation was started in the acute phase in 12 patients (36%) and 13 presented inflammatory phenomena adjacent to the stenosis. During initial dilatation, 2 1.6 sessions (2-18) were performed and a favorable response was obtained in 18 patients (54%). At the end of follow-up, 68% of the patients presented satisfactory health status. The comparative study revealed that statistically significant variables for a favorable response to treatment were: accidental alkali intake, instauration of treatment in the chronic phase, absence of inflammatory phenomena, and a small number of initial dilatation sessions.


CONCLUSIONS
In our series, more than half the patients with esophageal stenosis due to intake of corrosive alkalis showed a favorable initial response. In these patients with acute-phase stenosis who required a greater number of initial dilatation sessions, endoscopic therapy was less effective.
López Vallejos
P
P
Unidad Clínica de Aparato Digestivo. Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía. Córdoba. España. anaranjor@meditex.es
García Sánchez
M V
MV
Naranjo Rodríguez
A
A
Gálvez Calderón
C
C
Hervás Molina
A
A
Chicano Gallardo
M
M
Miño Fugarolas
G
G
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000468:Alkalies / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002057:Burns, Chemical / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D002404:Catheterization / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D004940:Esophageal Stenosis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000628:therapy*; D004945:Esophagoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000468:Alkalies