Corrosive Injuries of the Stomach

Abstract

Accidental or suicidal ingestion of corrosives usually injures the oropharynx and esophagus. Strong alkalies affect the esophageal mucosa most severely, and in only 20% of the cases is the stomach involved.^1,2 Concentrated acids, however, tend to spare the esophagus and produce their major corrosive effects within the stomach because of the transit time and the resistance of the esophageal squamous epithelium.^3-5 The severity of corrosive injuries to the stomach is directly related to the agent ingested and its concentration and duration of contact with the viscus.⁶ Corrosive substances have been classified by Bosch del Marco⁷ into four major categories: (1) fixatives, such as phenolic acid and formaldehyde solution; (2) destructive substances, such as sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and hydrochloric acid; (3) softeners, such as alkalies, disinfectants (Lysol), and lye; and (4) weak substances, such as oxalic acid and arsenic. Robert,⁸ in 1828, was the first