[Experiences with the management of acute esophageal burns (author's transl)].

Corrosive burns of the esophagus are still relatively frequently encountered by the clinician. In cases of mild or moderately severe burns, accepted management involves the use of corticosteroids and antibiotics. However, controversy exists in such therapy for the severe burns. The present author's experience with these injuries over a 16 year period indicates that both steroids and antibiotics are necessary in all patients and that esophageal strictures can be prevented with corticosteroids without any side effects from the drug.