[Immediate oesojejunal anastomosis after total gastrectomy in caustic necrosis]

Eight patients underwent total gastrectomy for caustic ingestion. Oesophago-jejunostomy was performed in the same surgical session. One patient died from hemorrhage. Only one of the 7 survivors had a benign anastomotic fistula. Five healed without any sequelae, 2 underwent colonoplasty 3 months later, because of a secondary oesophageal stenosis. We conclude that it is feasible, in certain unusual cases, to restore gastrointestinal continuity after total gastrectomy for caustic necrosis: moderate oesophageal lesions (stage I or II) and ingestion of a caustic product that cause few oesophageal damage (acids, liquid chlorine bleach, ...).