[Diagnostic and therapeutic problems in lesions caused by caustics in the upper digestive tract]

The Authors report on their experience regarding lesions of the oesophago-gastric tract due to ingestion of caustic substances. Although prognosis of these patients is always severe, the reported data show that it can be improved by a prompt diagnostic and therapeutic approach. Firstly, a correct evaluation of the lesions through endoscopic examination at a very early stage is capable of guiding the search for the most effective therapy, which, in cases of necrotic, coagulative, haemorrhagic or in any way severe lesions, must always be surgical, begun as early as possible and accompanied by broad spectrum antibiotic cover and, above all, total parenteral feeding.