[Acid burns in the oesophagus].

BACKGROUND

In the literature are different ways to treat patients with acid burns in the oesophagus.

PATIENTS

Between 1989 and 1995, 169 patients were examined in the Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic at the Olga Hospital, Stuttgart, with suspected acid burns in the oesophagus. The patients examined included 168 children under 13 years and one adult. If possible a rigid oesophagoscope was used to make the diagnosis. There were no complications. 17 patients had first degree acid burns, 37 second degree acid burns, 20 third degree acid burns. The patients with acid burns were treated with cortison and an antibioticum. Two of the patients with third degree acid burns developed scar strictures and these needed to be stretched.

RESULTS

All patients were able to eat normally after the treatment had been completed.

CONCLUSIONS

The rigid endoscopy has proved to be reliable for diagnosis and therapy in patients with acid burn in the oesophagus.