Successful Endoscopic Removal of Many Ingested AA Batteries Using a Recovery Net: A Case Report

Abstract

There are few reports on ingestion of cylindrical batteries. We report a case in which we endoscopically removed a number of ingested AA batteries. A 61-year-old man with a history of schizophrenia was referred to us from a psychiatric hospital, after he reported that he had“swallowed batteries.” Plain abdominal X-rays showed multiple radiopaque foreign bodies in the stomach. Emergency upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed and numerous AA batteries and multiple ulcers were noted in the stomach. We used a recovery net to collect a total of 11 batteries one-by-one. Two additional AA batteries were eliminated by defecation the following day. Prompt removal is required in case of ingestion of batteries as they can cause rapid chemical damage within a short period of time. Use of the recovery net was useful for removing the batteries in this case.