Published online Sep 26, 2021. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v9.i27.8226
Peer-review started: May 12, 2021
First decision: June 15, 2021
Revised: June 24, 2021
Accepted: August 2, 2021
Article in press: August 2, 2021
Published online: September 26, 2021
Processing time: 127 Days and 5.1 Hours
Ingestion of multiple magnets can cause serious gastrointestinal complications, such as obstruction, fistulae, and perforation. When multiple magnets traverse the stomach, coordination between pediatric gastroenterologists and pediatric surgeons is recommended, and ultimate management is required dependent on clinical concerns.
A 5-year-old girl swallowed 2 small magnets that then remained in the right lower quadrant (RLQ) of the abdomen for 3 d; this required endoscopic and laparoscopic intervention. Abdominal X-ray and computed tomography revealed high-density objects in the RLQ area. Colonoscopy after proper bowel preparations on the third day of ingestion revealed no foreign body in the colonic area or the end of the ileum. The two magnets were removed via colonoscopy with laparoscopic intervention.
It is important to establish effective coordination between pediatric gastroenterologists and pediatric surgeons when using a non-invasive procedure to remove magnets.
Core Tip: The intake of foreign bodies in children is relatively common. Ingestion of multiple magnets can cause serious gastrointestinal complications, such as obstruction, fistulae, and perforation. This report presents the case of a 5-year-old female who ingested 2 magnets, both of which were successfully and safely removed without any complications via laparoscopy and colonoscopy. Surgical intervention is not always necessary, even in cases where the magnets have passed through the pylorus and have been attached together for 2 to 3 d. Endoscopic removal under diagnostic laparoscopy should be considered before further complications arise.