Corrosive injuries of the oesophagus and stomach: experience in management at a regional paediatric centre

In a 21-year period between June 1974 and May 1995, eight children required surgery for the treatment of complications after ingestion of corrosive substances. There were six oesophageal injuries due to alkali ingestion and two gastric injuries secondary to acid ingestion. Of those ingesting alkali, diagnosis of stricture was made at a mean of 28 days and all children underwent endoscopic dilatation with a mean of six treatments (range 2-13). Two children subsequently required oesophageal replacement and colonic interposition. One of the children ingesting acid presented as an emergency with peritonitis and required laparotomy at which partial gastrectomy and pyloroplasty were performed. The second child presented 3 weeks after ingestion with a gastric stricture and required gastrostomy. All children are currently alive and well and are asymptomatic. The details of management are discussed, together with a review of the literature.