Magnetic Appendix: An Uncommon Indication for Appendectomy

Cureus. 2022 Nov 4;14(11):e31096. doi: 10.7759/cureus.31096. eCollection 2022 Nov.

Abstract

Foreign object ingestions are a common occurrence in pediatrics, often necessitating endoscopic or surgical intervention. The ingestion of multiple magnets poses an increased risk for serious complications. Our article presents a case of a five-year-old boy who swallowed two pennies and four magnets. The latter failed to pass spontaneously and were lodged in the appendiceal orifice resulting in a challenging and unsuccessful endoscopic retrieval and hence required laparoscopic exploration, appendectomy, and partial cecal resection.

Keywords: appendectomy; colonoscopy; foreign object ingestion; multiple magnet ingestion; pediatrics.

Publication types

  • Case Reports