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A rare complication due to sulfuric acid ingestion
A M Tamisani1, C Di Noto, E Di Rovasenda
1Surgical Emergency and Pediatric Surgery Department, Giannina Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy.
Summary
Accidental sulfuric acid ingestion in children can cause severe pyloric and duodenal obstruction. Surgical intervention, like gastro-jejunostomy, is often necessary for effective treatment and symptom relief.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Gastrointestinal Surgery
Background:
- Sulfuric acid ingestion is a rare cause of pediatric gastric outlet obstruction.
- It leads to coagulation necrosis, ulceration, and fibrosis, causing cicatrizing stenosis.
Observation:
- An 8-year-old child presented with pyloric and duodenal obstruction after sulfuric acid ingestion.
- Symptoms included epigastric distress, non-bilious vomiting, and weight loss.
Findings:
- The case highlights the infrequent occurrence of severe pyloric and duodenal cicatrizing stenosis in pediatric patients due to sulfuric acid.
- Delayed gastric outlet obstruction can occur months to years after ingestion.
Implications:
- Gastro-jejunostomy is presented as the preferred surgical treatment for pediatric gastric outlet obstruction from acid ingestion.
- This approach offers good postoperative outcomes despite the risk of malignant transformation.