[Lye corrosion of the esophagus. Course under long-term bougienage]

In an alcoholic state a 61-year-old woman swallowed by mistake about 125 ml of a lye-containing glass-washing liquid (pH 12). About 30 min later she repeatedly brought up blood-containing vomitus and was admitted to hospital. Extensive corrosive damage in the oesophagus and entire stomach developed within a few days. Two weeks later a circular narrowing of the oesophageal lumen, which could not be passed endoscopically, was seen. Afterwards she repeatedly underwent endoscopic bougie dilatation. At the third dilatation the oesophagus was perforated, mediastinitis occurred but responded without further problems to conservative medical treatment. Two months after the initial injury a Billroth II gastric resection was performed because of complete stenosis of the gastric exit. Bougie dilatation was continued at widening intervals for 18 months after the ingestion. Subsequently the patient has remained without symptoms, although a secondary Barrett oesophagus has developed at the oesophago-gastric junction which, because of the potential danger of malignant degeneration, will require regular follow-up.