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Pediatric Surgery International
Published in: Pediatric Surgery International 2/2015

01-02-2015 | Review Article

Caustic injury of the oesophagus

Authors: Alastair J. W. Millar, Sharon G. Cox

Published in: Pediatric Surgery International | Issue 2/2015

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Abstract

Caustic ingestion continues to be a significant problem world-wide especially in developing countries and particularly in the under 6 years age group. The presence or absence of symptoms or oral lesions does not reliably predict the existence or severity of oesophageal lesions. Upper endoscopy remains the mainstay diagnostic modality for evaluation to define the extent and severity of the injury. The best predictor of morbidity and mortality is the extent of injury as assessed during initial evaluation. Early management strategies for caustic ingestion are well defined. Controversy still surrounds the use of steroids, antibiotics, antacid therapy in the acute phase, and the use of oesophageal stents and the frequency, timing and method of dilatation in the prevention and management of oesophageal strictures. There is a pressing need for non-invasive diagnostic modalities and effective therapeutic options to evaluate and treat the complications associated with caustic ingestion. Indications for definitive surgery or bypass and the type of procedure to use are also subject to ongoing debate.
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Metadata
Title
Caustic injury of the oesophagus
Authors
Alastair J. W. Millar
Sharon G. Cox
Publication date
01-02-2015
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Pediatric Surgery International / Issue 2/2015
Print ISSN: 0179-0358
Electronic ISSN: 1437-9813
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00383-014-3642-3

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