On the basis of experience in the treatment of 2339 patients with chemical burns of the esophagus the authors hold that, despite its traumatic character, early prophylactic bougienage is the method of choice in the prevention of cicatricial esophageal strictures. The method has become more effective today because the aggressive properties of cauterizing agents have been significantly reduced in the recent decades. The use of modern fiberoptics has greatly widened the diagnostic possibilities of endoscopy. The above circumstances have made it possible to develop and introduce into clinical practice a new differential approach to the diagnosis and treatment of chemical burns of the esophagus in children. This complex method allows, with much probability, to differentiate Degrees II and III burns in the early periods and thus free a large group of patients with Degree II esophageal burn from needless bougienage. The method leads practically to 100% prevention of stenoses and complete restoration of the organ function, reduces markedly the period of hospitalization of the patients, and allows outpatients treatment in 42% cases.