Severe gastrointestinal burn with hydrochloric acid

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Toxicology
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Oral ingestion of corrosive substances, whether accidental or intentional, poses significant life-threatening risks.
• Prompt medical intervention, including hospital admission, clinical and endoscopic assessment, and timely surgery, is vital for reducing mortality and morbidity.

Observation:

• A 49-year-old male patient ingested approximately 800 mL of 25% hydrochloric acid in a suicide attempt.
• The patient sustained severe intra-abdominal damage as a result of the ingestion.

Findings:

• Despite the severe nature of the corrosive injury, a positive outcome was achieved.
• The successful management underscores the importance of rapid, coordinated, and appropriate medical care.

Implications:

• This case demonstrates that severe corrosive burns from oral intake can be managed successfully with timely, multidisciplinary interventions.
• It emphasizes the critical role of early and comprehensive treatment protocols in managing such critical poisoning cases.