Successful treatment of gastric necrosis after ingestion of hydrochloric acid: a two-stage minimally invasive surgical procedure

Abstract

Caustic ingestion may cause devastating injuries of the upper gastrointestinal tract and the respiratory system. We report here the successful treatment of a 37-year-old patient who ingested hydrochloric acid (100 mL; 24%) in suicidal intention. An oesophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed extensive necrosis of the gastric mucosa. A diagnostic laparoscopy was performed and confirmed the suspected transmural necrosis which resulted in a discontinuous laparoscopic gastrectomy. During the next days, the oesophageal stump was monitored through frequent oesophagoscopies and showed a good recovery. Thus, it was possible to restore continuity as early as by the sixth postoperative day performing a roux-en-y oesophagojejunostomy using the da Vinci Xi surgical robot. The patient underwent all procedures without any surgical complications and was discharged almost 1 month after initial presentation in good general condition.