Caustic burns of the esophagus: ten-year results of aggressive care.

In 1967, care of esophageal burns from caustic substances was altered to include immediate esophagoscopy, high doses of steroid, and follow-up dilatations plus cine-esophagograms as needed. Previously, this area averaged six repairs of esophageal stricutre each year. Since 1967, there have been no esophageal strictures in 100 patients.