Endoscopy in lye burns of oesophagus and stomach

Upon ingestion of lye and its compounds severe corrosive lesions may develop not only in the oesophagus but also of the stomach. These are frequently not recognized until life-threatening complications have set in. Two case histories are reported to point to the need for early endoscopic examinations. Brown-black discoloration of the mucosa of the stomach signifies necrosis through the thickness of the wall which is an indication for immediate resection.