Two cases of foreign body ingestion: Doctors save children after swallowing battery and magnets
HaEmek Medical Center treated two life-threatening cases in the past two weeks. A 4-year-old boy swallowed a button battery, and a 5-year-old girl swallowed 16 magnets. Doctors warn that these innocent-looking objects can cause severe internal damage and urge parents to seek immediate medical attention if ingestion is suspected.
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 instance, a 4-year-old boy swallowed a small button battery. In the second, a 5-year-old girl swallowed 16 game magnets, leading to severe damage to her digestive system and requiring complex surgery.
Doctors emphasize that parental alertness and quick arrival at the hospital were critical, noting that children do not always complain immediately, and damage can begin before symptoms appear.
Dr. Firas Rinawi, Director of the Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition Unit, stated: "A 4-year-old child arrived after his mother saw him swallow a button battery. Thanks to her quick reaction, we were able to act immediately." He warned that the danger of button batteries is often underestimated.
"When a battery gets stuck in the esophagus, it can cause severe chemical burns within two hours. This can lead to esophageal perforation, vocal cord damage, life-threatening infections, and severe bleeding. We performed a gastroscopy under general anesthesia to extract the battery. While we saw signs of slight damage, the child recovered well and was discharged," he added. Dr. Rinawi urged parents to ensure battery compartments in toys and household items are tightly secured.
16 magnets and five holes in the intestine
The second case was significantly more complex. A 5-year-old girl was brought to the center after swallowing about 16 game magnets. Unlike the battery, these had passed into the digestive system, where they attracted each other through intestinal walls, causing necrosis, tears, and holes.
Dr. Mark Arkovitz, Director of the Pediatric Surgery Department, explained: "This is one of the most dangerous complications in pediatric foreign body ingestion. The magnets caused significant damage across different loops of the intestine, making endoscopy impossible and requiring urgent surgery." The medical team performed a complex anastomosis to repair the intestine. The surgery was successful, and the girl is currently recovering.
Dr. Arkovitz emphasizes that swallowing magnets can be fatal if not diagnosed in time. "Children may initially appear healthy, showing only mild nausea or abdominal pain. If there is any suspicion of magnet ingestion, do not wait—seek medical examination immediately."
HaEmek Medical Center urges parents to be extra vigilant regarding small household objects.
"Button batteries and magnets are among the most dangerous foreign bodies children can swallow," concluded Dr. Netanel Levy, a senior anesthesiologist. "Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent complex surgeries and save lives."
