Endoscopic removal of multiple magnetic foreign bodies in the stomach of a 2-year-old child

Introduction. Foreign bodies in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is a serious problem in pediatric surgery. In recent years, the incidence of cases when children swallow magnets has increased significantly. Foreign bodies in the stomach, small and large intestines can cause their perforation.
Purpose. To demonstrate a successful endoscopic removal of multiple magnetic foreign bodies which were in the stomach of a 2–yearold child for a long time.
Description of clinical observation. Boy, 2 y.o., was admitted by the ambulance to the Clinical and Research Institute of Emergency Pediatric Surgery and Trauma in Moscow with suspected presence of multiple magnetic foreign bodies in the stomach and complaints of melena during the last 2 months, about which his parents repeatedly consulted their pediatrician. Two days before the admission, the parents found several magnetic balls in child's faeces and decided to visit the pediatrician for the second time. This time the child had X-ray examination and was transferred to the hospital. At the survey radiography and ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity, the diagnosis of multiple foreign bodies in the stomach was confirmed. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed a conglomerate of multiple magnetic foreign bodies that filled ½ of the stomach lumen. Under general anesthesia, 209 pieces of magnetic beans were endoscopically removed. Postoperative course was uneventful.
Conclusion. If there is the slightest suspicion of a foreign body in the gastrointestinal tract and if there is a clinical picture of gastrointestinal bleeding, the child must be sent to surgical hospital for further examination and, if possible, for endoscopic management.