Stenosis of the Stomach Following Ingestion of Lye

Abstract

Introduction Whenever corrosive substances are ingested, both the esophagus and the stomach may become the site of stenosis. Acids, in general, destroy primarily the stomach, while alkalis primarily damage the esophagus, as the latter agents are usually neutralized by the acid contents of the stomach. When stenosis results, it usually occurs in narrower areas of the esophagus, where there may have been momentary hold up of the ingested material. In the stomach, pyloric stenosis is most apt to occur. Before 1948 only 139 cases of pyloric obstruction following ingestion of a corrosive substance had been recorded; 11 of these were reported by American authors.1,3,8,11,12Since 1948 a few additional cases have been reported.2,7Controversy remains regarding the best surgical therapy for those cases in which the stomach becomes stenotic. Historical Review The first report of a case of pyloric stenosis following ingestion of corrosive substances was made by