Magnetic toy ingestion: surgical implications

Alaska Med. 2008 Jan-Mar;49(4):117-9.

Abstract

Children often ingest foreign bodies wihtout major consequences. Most foreign bodies will pass through the gastrointestinal tract without any detrimental results although in the case of multiple magnet ingestion, perforation and pressure necrosis, among a host of other possible effects, can occur. We describe a case of multiple bowel perforations as a result of fistulization from magnetic attraction across portions of the intestinal wall that demonstrate the importance in acquiring surgical attention.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Digestive System Surgical Procedures
  • Foreign Bodies* / psychology
  • Foreign Bodies* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Fistula / etiology*
  • Intestinal Fistula / surgery
  • Intestinal Perforation / etiology*
  • Intestinal Perforation / surgery
  • Magnetics
  • Male
  • Play and Playthings / injuries*