Pyloric obstruction following the ingestion of corrosive acid

Pyloric obstruction is a well documented end result of ingestion of corrosive acid. Whereas the oesophageal mucosa is resistant to damage, the pyloric spasm and the resultant pooling of acid in the pre-pyloric region, causes injury to this area. The fibrosis of the gastric wall with motility disturbances, and the diminution of acid and pepsin production from damage to the glandular elements, would weigh against the addition of a vagotomy to the drainage procedure. A case of ingestion of concentrated sulphuric acid and the management of its late sequelae, are discussed.