Surgical treatment for caustic ingestion injury of the pharynx, larynx, and esophagus.

A 45-year-old female drank Sunpole (9.5% hydrochloric acid), an acidic toilet cleaner, in a suicide attempt. Notwithstanding intravenous administration of steroids and bougienage dilation, corrosive changes progressed. The patient underwent surgery for severe caustic ingestion injury of the pharynx, larynx, and esophagus. Colon bypass surgery from the left vallecula to the stomach was performed. Excellent results, both in deglutition and phonation, were obtained. We report on the case and stress several points of importance in dealing with severe caustic ingestion injuries.