Approach to Managing Pediatric Esophageal Strictures After Caustic Ingestion

Caustic ingestion is the most common cause of esophageal stricture in the pediatric population. Diagnosis of caustic esophageal strictures following a history of ingestion is frequently obtained through barium esophagography or endoscopy, which also assesses injury severity. Treatment includes serial endoscopic or fluoroscopic dilations, either with radial dilating pneumatic balloons or bougies, which is often successful. In refractory cases, surgical intervention is indicated and may involve either stricture resection and primary esophageal anastomosis or esophageal replacement. This review summarizes the current understanding of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of esophageal strictures in children following caustic ingestion.