Corrosive poisons, alkaline and acidic, cause tissue destruction by dehydration and necrosis. Early complications are curable less consumption and early interventions. Patients die from direct or surgical complications due to severely damaged pharynx, oesophagus, stomach and larynx.

Postoperative disruption of abdominal musculo­aponeurotic layers is called burst abdomen (acute wound failure / wound dehiscence) which is among most alarming postoperative complications, mostly seen after emergency and exploratory laparotomy.

A 27 years male was admitted with corrosive acid ingestion presenting as fever, hematemesis, melena and dysphagia. Exploratory laparotomy was done for gastric perforation repair with feeding jejunostomy with throughout broad spectrum antibiotic coverage. On second post­operative week, burst abdomen (acute wound failure) was evident and he was operated again. But with further deterioration ultimately he died after one month.

Early endoscopic intervention with surgical management under proper precautions with maintenance of proper nutrition are utmost necessary for treatment of patients of corrosive poisoning to prevent immediate or early demise as well as irreversible late complications like malnutrition, dysphagia and oesophageal stricture.

Keywords: Corrosive; Burst Abdomen; Dehiscence; Laparotomy; Postoperative Complications.