Intestinal volvulus caused by the ingestion of magnet balls: unexpected risk in children

Česká verzia

Authors: D. Kubačková ¹; J. Nosek ¹; V. Třeška ¹; V. Vacek ¹; K. Pizingerová ²
Authors place of work: Chirurgická klinika FN Plzeň, přednosta: prof. MUDr. V. Třeška, DrSc. ¹; Dětská klinika FN Plzeň, přednosta: prof. MUDr. J. Sýkora PhD. ²
Published in the journal: Rozhl. Chir., 2015, roč. 94, č. 5, s. 204-206.
Category: Kazuistika

Summary

Introduction:
The occurrence of swallowed foreign bodies in the digestive system is a common problem in children with the highest incidence in children aged six months to five years. Most swallowed objects leave the human body per vias naturales while 10–20% of swallowed foreign bodies need to be removed with an endoscope. Serious and life-threatening situations are caused by the ingestion of foreign bodies in about 1% of all cases.

Case report:
The authors present a case of a two-year-old girl diagnosed with acute abdomen for which she was operated on. A small bowel volvulus and several intestinal fistulas were found intraoperatively. The cause of this finding was the ingestion of magnetic balls and a swallowed metal body drawn to them by magnetic force.

Conclusion:
If more than one magnetic body is ingested, it is necessary to admit the patient to hospital and to remove these foreign bodies using an endoscope. The position of the magnets which is not changing in a location inaccessible for an endoscope during 24−48 hours is an indication for urgent operation.

Key words:
swallowed foreign body – magnet balls – acute abdomen

Zdroje

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