Pediatria pre prax 4/2021

Multiple intestinal perforations in a child as a consequence of magnetic foreign bodies ingestion

Accidental ingestion of foreign bodies in children is a common problem. Therapeutic strategy depends on the characteristics of a foreign body, in most cases surgical treatment is not required. Among the most dangerous is the ingestion of multiple magnetic foreign bodies, which may lead to a surgical emergency. Authors present a case of a 5-year-old girl with abdominal pain of unknown etiology, who visited a surgical emergency department repeatedly. Due to worsening conditions and symptoms of bowel obstruction, an abdominal radiograph was made and showed 15 foreign bodies attached to each other forming a chain. Acute surgical revision of the abdominal cavity revealed 4 bowel perforations and diffuse purulent peritonitis. Conversion to laparotomy was needed from initial miniinvasive – laparoscopic approach. Magnetic foreign bodies were removed, bowel perforations were sutured and lavage and drainage of the peritoneal cavity was made.

Keywords: foreign body, gastrointestinal tract, acute abdomen, magnet, child