Experimental studies on caustic burns of the stomach by aggressive chemicals

The treatment of caustic burns of the stomach in childhood by acids, alkalis and especially soldering fluids has remained without any clear concept so far. Surgical treatment consists of therapy of acute complications or late sequelae. Early endoscopy enables one to decide between conservative treatment and early laparotomy. Animal experiments were performed in albino rats for the development of a therapeutic concept. Because of its amphoteric and aggressive nature, soldering fluid zinc dissolved in 33-50 M saline) was used as the caustic substance. Clear demarcation and tissue changes can be recognized after 6-8 h, at the earliest. Laparotomy aiming at protective plication or atypical gastric resection should be performed at that time, if endoscopy reveals a third-degree caustic burn of the stomach.