S B Schaffer | PubMed Health

PubMed2001

Intractible aspiration.

Chronic recurrent aspiration can be secondary to numerous pathologic processes, with potential for disastrous sequelae if not diagnosed and aggressively treated. An understanding of the physiology of the swallow can aid in the diagnosis and potential treatment of the aspirating patient. Most aspirating patients can be managed with conservative measures such as diet modification and compensatory techniques. Various innovative surgical procedures have been developed to provide an adjunctive role or definitive treatment in those with a more severe functional deficit.

Deglutition↗

PubMed2000

Caustic ingestion.

Caustic and corrosive injury of the upper gastrointestinal tract can lead to significant morbidity and mortality with the development of upper gastrointestinal stricture or perforation. Household products containing alkalis, acids, and detergents are responsible for most injuries, with each having varying histological injury patterns and anatomic distribution. Early signs and symptoms after caustic ingestion are not consistent with the extent of damage, and endoscopy is the only reliable method to assess injury. Medical and surgical treatments are controversial and include steroids, antibiotics, esophageal dilation, stenting, and surgical reconstruction and are centered around prevention of esophageal strictures. Early diagnosis and prompt and aggressive treatment can improve long-term outcomes in these patients.

Accidents, Home↗