Gastroscopy in Corrosive Burn of the Stomach

Abstract

Corrosive burns of the stomach often go undetected until serious, life-threatening complications occur. Early diagnosis and prompt surgical intervention may avoid these complications. Gastroscopic diagnosis of a lye burn of the stomach led to early and curative surgery in the case herein reported. In selected cases, gastroscopy appears to be a useful tool and may either establish the need for surgery or avoid a diagnostic laparotomy in suspected gastric injury.