The Complications of Multiple Magnets

Anna Shapkina* and Ekaxterina Rodionova

Department of Pediatric Surgery, Vladivostok State Medical University, Russia

^*Correspondance to: Anna Shapkina 

 PDF  Full Text DOI: 10.25107/2474-1647.2760

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the incidence, characteristics and management of magnet ingestions over time. Methods: In this retrospective chart review, we searched our institution's patient record for patients aged <18 years who had been diagnosed with ingested FB between 2013 and 2017. Cases were analyzed for age, gender, and management characteristics. Results: We identified 664 patients who ingested FB. Among them there were 28 who ingested magnets. Multiple magnets were found in 14 cases (50%). Patients ingested between 1 and 32 magnets, most often 1 to 3 magnets. The median age was 3 (range 10 months to 12 years); mean 3.64 years and 64.3% were male. Six cases required surgical removal of the magnets because of intra-abdominal sepsis or concern for the bowel perforation which made 42.9% of multiple magnets ingestions. There were no deaths in this group. Conclusion: If more than one magnetic body is ingested, it is necessary to admit the patient to hospital and to remove them using an endoscope. The position of the magnets which is not changing in a location inaccessible for an endoscope during 24 h is an indication for surgery. Magnet safety standards are needed to decrease risk to children.

Keywords

Multiple magnet; Foreign bodies; Children

Cite the article

Shapkina A, Rodionova E. The Complications of Multiple Magnets. Clin Surg. 2020; 5: 2760..