Role of endoscopy in caustic injury of the esophagus

Table 3 Techniques of esophageal dilatation

Early dilate (usually starting from 3 wk after caustic ingestion)

Use appropriate type and size of dilator

Maintain a dilator in lumen of the esophagus while dilating

Concern the rule of 3: Never dilate more than 3 dilators of progressively increasing diameter after considerable resistance is encountered

Weekly or bi-weekly dilate to obtain luminal competency at 40 Fr

Dilate per scheduled, not on demand

If chest pain occurs after dilatation, esophageal perforation must be rule out using contrast esophagography