Multiple gastrointestinal magnetic foreign bodies in children

Abstract

Objective: To introduce the analysis of the clinical picture, treatment strategy and complications among children having multiple foreign magnetic bodies (FB).

Methods: Retrospective analysis of the treatment of 796 children from 2013 to September 2021 having stomach and intestine FB. Comprehensive study included plan radiography of the abdomen, fiberoptic gastroduodenoscopy, etc.

Results: Magnets were detected in 33 (4.15%) out of 796 cases. 9 patients swallowed multiple foreign magnetic bodies (FB) within time interval. The parts fixed in different parts of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and required surgical removal. All patients had multiple perforations of different GIT parts. It required suturing gut wall, bowel resection applying gastrointestinal anasto mosis and celiogrhaphy, resection applying anastomosis and by leaving the programmed laparostomy. Every patient recovered. Algorithm of supervision of children having FB GIT.

Conclusions: Multiple foreign magnetic bodies of GIT among children in the current moment are the most dangerous foreign objects accompanied with big amount of complications. They are observed among children of any age and gender and require complicated and long surgical interventions. Multiple foreign magnetic bodies of GIT can be suspected in case of severe surgical pathology along with the lack of passage of radiopaque FB in GIT. Urgent surgical intervention is required in case of detecting it.