Published online Nov 16, 2023. doi: 10.4253/wjge.v15.i11.676
Peer-review started: August 2, 2023
First decision: September 13, 2023
Revised: September 24, 2023
Accepted: October 9, 2023
Article in press: October 9, 2023
Published online: November 16, 2023
Processing time: 99 Days and 14.8 Hours
The incidence of ingestion of magnetic foreign bodies in the gastrointestinal tract has been increasing year by year. Due to their strong magnetic attraction, if multiple gastrointestinal foreign bodies enter the small intestine, it can lead to serious complications such as intestinal perforation, necrosis, torsion, and bleeding. Severe cases require surgical intervention.
We report a 6-year-old child who accidentally swallowed multiple magnetic balls. Under timely and safe anesthesia, the magnetic balls were quickly removed through gastroscopy before entering the small intestine.
General anesthesia with endotracheal intubation can ensure full anesthesia under the condition of fasting for less than 6 h. In order to prevent magnetic foreign bodies from entering the small intestine, timely and effective measures must be taken to remove the foreign bodies.
Core Tip: We report the successful and timely removal of multiple magnetic balls in a 6-year-old child using endoscopic retrieval under general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation. The procedure was efficient, safe, and free of complications. Prompt intervention and a multidisciplinary approach involving anesthesiologists and endoscopists are crucial in managing pediatric patients with ingestion of gastrointestinal foreign bodies. This report highlights the importance of timely intervention to prevent potential complications associated with magnetic foreign bodies.