Pathologies acquises de l’œsophage chez l’enfant

Abstract

Main esophageal pathology in children include accidental ingestion of a foreign body, traumatic œsophageal perforation, infection and burn lesions. Accidental ingestion of foreign bodies are very frequent. In the majority of cases, natural elimination is the rule. In some cases, tear of the esophageal wall is induced by the size or the nature of the foreign body. In these cases, it is necessary to identify and treat the lesion. Esophageal perforation or rupture is rare in childhood and frequently iatrogenous. The prognosis depends mainly on early diagnosis. Treatment include gastric tube placement under endoscopy, saliva aspiration, antibiotic and sometimes surgical drainage. The accidental ingestion of corrosive agents is a major cause of œsophageal strictures in children. Althrough, The mainstay of treatment is repeated dilatations, significant number of patients still require œsophageal replacement.