Treatment of caustic ingestion.

This article reviews the management of patients following caustic ingestion. The initial care is conservative, consisting mainly of IV antibiotics and steroids. Patency of the airway is of immediate concern and achieved via either intubation or tracheostomy. Early intervention with oral splint therapy is recommended to minimize scar contracture. It is important that the oral and maxillofacial surgeon be acquainted with the primary care of such patients, as well as with the subsequent management of the secondary complications of decreased stomal opening, loss of the mucobuccal fold, and limitation of tongue movement.