Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 22, 2026

An Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy Designed to Minimize Anastomotic Complications and Optimize Conduit Function
09:40

An Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy Designed to Minimize Anastomotic Complications and Optimize Conduit Function

Published on: April 17, 2020

What is new in esophageal injury (infection, drug-induced, caustic, stricture, perforation)?

Fabio Pace1, Spinello Antinori, Alessandro Repici

  • 1aGastroenterology Unit, Italy bInfectious Disease Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences "L. Sacco", Italy cGastroenterology Unit, IRCSS Hospital "Humanitas", Milan, Italy.

Current Opinion in Gastroenterology
|June 17, 2009
PubMed

Insights

This review covers recent findings on esophageal injuries, including decreased opportunistic infections in HIV patients, numerous drug-induced injuries, and improved understanding of caustic ingestion complications.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Internal Medicine
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Esophageal injuries encompass infectious, drug-induced, and caustic etiologies.
  • Complications include stricture and perforation, impacting patient care and costs.
  • Recent literature highlights evolving trends and management strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in understanding infectious, drug-induced, and caustic esophageal injuries.
  • To discuss associated complications and emerging therapeutic approaches.
  • To synthesize key findings from the past year's publications.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on papers published within the last year.
  • Separate analysis of infectious, drug-induced, and caustic esophageal injury.
  • Inclusion of data on complications, prevalence, and treatment modalities.

Main Results:

  • Opportunistic esophageal infections, particularly candidiasis in HIV patients, show a decreasing trend.
  • Over 1000 cases of drug-induced esophageal injury from nearly 100 medications reported in the last decade.
  • Enhanced understanding of geographical variations, endoscopic timing, and therapies for caustic ingestion.

Conclusions:

  • While opportunistic infections decline, drug-induced and caustic injuries remain significant concerns.
  • Further research is needed to improve the quality of reporting for drug-induced esophageal injuries.
  • Optimized management strategies for caustic esophageal injuries are evolving, with new therapies under investigation.

More Related Videos

ADSC-sheet Transplantation to Prevent Stricture after Extended Esophageal Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection05:57

ADSC-sheet Transplantation to Prevent Stricture after Extended Esophageal Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection

Published on: February 10, 2017

Related Concept Videos

Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction01:30

Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction

Esophageal strictures involve abnormal narrowing or tightening of the esophagus. They vary in length and severity, ranging from mild constriction to complete obstruction, and are classified as benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...
Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction01:22

Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction

Esophageal perforation is a severe medical condition characterized by a breach in the integrity of the esophageal wall. This breach can occur due to various factors such as trauma, medical procedures, or underlying diseases. When the esophageal wall is compromised, it allows food, fluids, and digestive juices into the chest cavity or adjacent structures, leading to potential complications and health risks.
The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus.
Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management01:28

Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

Esophageal perforations manifest in various clinical forms, influenced by factors such as the perforation's cause and location (cervical, intrathoracic, or intra-abdominal), the extent of contamination, and potential injury to adjacent mediastinal structures. The timing between the perforation occurrence and treatment initiation also affects the clinical presentation.
Clinical Manifestations:
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management01:26

Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management

Patients with esophageal strictures often experience a range of symptoms. Initially, they may have difficulty swallowing solid foods, which can progress to include liquids. Additional symptoms may involve chest pain or discomfort, regurgitating food and fluids, heartburn, unintentional weight loss, coughing or choking during meals, and hoarseness.
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
Peptic Ulcer Disease V: Surgical Management and Nursing Care01:25

Peptic Ulcer Disease V: Surgical Management and Nursing Care

Surgical management and nursing care are crucial in treating Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD). Here is an organized and enhanced overview of the surgical interventions and the associated nursing care for PUD:
Surgical Interventions for Peptic Ulcer Disease
Drugs for Peptic Ulcer Disease: Sucralfate as Mucosal Protective Agents01:24

Drugs for Peptic Ulcer Disease: Sucralfate as Mucosal Protective Agents

In the intricate landscape of the gastric lumen, excessive acid secretion disrupts the natural defense mechanisms, weakening the mucus-bicarbonate barrier. This vulnerability allows pepsin to infiltrate epithelial cells, digesting mucosal proteins and triggering erosion, leading to ulcer formation.
In this scenario, mucosal protective agents like sucralfate play an essential role. Sucralfate, a complex of sulfated sucrose and aluminum hydroxide, demonstrates its usefulness in acidic conditions,...