EC Paediatrics

Ingestion of foreign body (FB), especially multiple magnets are becoming an increasing health hazard due to associated risk of intestinal obstruction, fistula formation and perforation with increased morbidity and mortality. Out of all the foreign bodies in the gut, 80% pass spontaneously, 10% to 20% require endoscopic removal and 1% require surgical intervention. The symptoms, when present may vary, even mild abdominal discomfort and vomiting in many. In younger age, high index of suspicion can be lifesaving by preventing delayed diagnosis and its complications, seen in up to 50% of cases. Chronic ingestion may cause well-healed intestinal fistula leading to problems at a later date. The location of FBs, and adhesions in the gut, if any, can be better visualized with CT abdomen compared to plain x-ray. Here we report a case of forgotten multiple neodymium magnets with multiple chronic intestinal fistula requiring multiple resections and end-to-end anastomosis.

Keywords: Foreign Body (FB); Chronic Intestinal Fistula; Multiple Magnet Ingestion

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