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Chemical burns of the oesophagus

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

S. L. Sellars  and
R. A. J. Spence
S. L. Sellars*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Groote Schuur Hospital and University of Cape Town.
R. A. J. Spence
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Groote Schuur Hospital and University of Cape Town.
*
Professor S. L. Sellars, Department of Otolaryngology, Groote Schuur Hospital, 7925 Observatory, South Africa.
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Summary

Chemical burns of the oesophagus caused by ingestion of corrosives present a difficult and potentially dangerous problem of management. Initial failure to recognize the seriousness of the injury and inexperience in the handling of the severer burn may result in consequences which are both life-threatening and life-long.

Analysis of 95 patients who had ingested caustic substances is presented. Ninty-one sustained burns of the mouth, 39 of the hypopharynx or oesophagus, and 31 had laryngeal burns. Sixty-three were children of 15 years and under. Caustic soda, especially in children, was the most common substance ingested. Severe oesophageal strictures developed early in 17 patients and in a further 21 oesophageal stricturing occurred late.

A protocol for the management of these patients is discussed.

Type
Clinical Records
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 101 , Issue 11 , November 1987 , pp. 1211 - 1213
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1987

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References

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