Chemical burns and intestinal perforations: dangerous childhood games
Two cases of children in life-threatening danger who arrived at the HaEmek Medical Center (Clalit Group) in the last two weeks ended in a miracle. Doctors warn: "These are innocent-looking objects that can cause severe damage and even endanger life."
In the last two weeks, teams at the HaEmek Medical Center treated two exceptional and particularly dangerous cases of foreign body ingestion in children. In the first case, a 4-year-old child swallowed a small button battery. In the second, a 5-year-old girl swallowed at least 16 game magnets, leading to severe damage to the digestive system and a complex surgery.
Doctors emphasize that in both cases, parental alertness and rapid arrival at the hospital were critical. They warn that children do not always complain immediately, and sometimes damage begins even before symptoms appear.
"Every minute counts"
Dr. Firas Rinawi, director of the Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition Unit at HaEmek, says: "A 4-year-old child arrived after his mother saw him swallow a round button battery. Thanks to her quick reaction and immediate arrival at the emergency room, we were able to act swiftly. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate hospital care."
According to him, the danger of button batteries is greater than many realize. "When a battery gets stuck in the esophagus, it can cause a severe chemical burn in a very short time. If it remains in the body for more than two hours, significant damage can occur, including esophageal perforation, damage to vocal cords, life-threatening infections, severe bleeding, and damage to major blood vessels. Every minute counts. We performed a gastroscopy under general anesthesia and successfully extracted the battery, though we already saw signs of early esophageal damage. The child remained under observation until he recovered and was discharged in good condition."
Dr. Rinawi adds: "Button batteries are found in remote controls, toys, scales, watches, and many household products. Ensure battery compartments are tightly closed and keep them out of reach of children. If you suspect a battery has been swallowed, do not wait for symptoms; go to the emergency room immediately."
16 magnets, five holes in the intestine
The second case was much more complex. A 5-year-old girl was brought to HaEmek after swallowing about 16 game magnets. Unlike the battery, which could be extracted via gastroscopy, the magnets had already passed into the digestive system, causing extensive damage. When multiple magnets are swallowed, they can attract each other through intestinal walls, press on tissues, and cause necrosis, tears, and perforations.
Dr. Mark Arkovitz, director of the Pediatric Surgery Department, explains: "This is one of the most dangerous complications we see in foreign body ingestion. In this case, the magnets were attracted to each other through different loops of the intestine, causing significant damage. Endoscopic treatment was no longer possible, and urgent surgery was required."
During the surgery, significant damage to the digestive system was discovered. "Due to the holes that formed in the intestine, we had to perform an anastomosis of the intestinal ends. This is a complex procedure, but fortunately, the surgery was successful, and the girl is now recovering."
Dr. Arkovitz emphasizes that swallowing magnets can be fatal if not diagnosed in time. "Children may initially appear completely healthy. Sometimes only abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting appear, but severe complications can develop within a short time. If you suspect a child has swallowed one or more magnets, seek medical examination immediately."
A message to parents: stay alert
At HaEmek Medical Center, staff urge parents to be particularly vigilant regarding small objects at home. "Button batteries and magnets are among the most dangerous foreign bodies children can swallow," concludes Dr. Netanel Levy, a senior anesthesiologist. "The best way to prevent a disaster is to prevent access to these items. In case of suspected ingestion, even if the child feels well and has no symptoms, it is vital to arrive immediately for a medical check-up. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complex surgeries and save lives."
