Abstract
We report the results of two cases requiring emergency surgery after accidental ingestion of magnetic toys. A 17-month-old female (case 1) was brought to a local clinic after ingesting 2 foreign bodies (magnets), and her parents were instructed that she be observed. Thirty hours after the accidental ingestion, she was referred to us. Endoscopic removal of the foreign bodies was attempted, but laparotomy was necessitated owing to impending perforation determined from endoscopic findings. Impending gastric perforation, multiple perforations of the small intestine and perforation of mesenteric membranes were diagnosed and repaired. A 5-year 2-month-old male (case 2) was referred to our department 4 days after accidental ingestion of 9 foreign bodies (magnets), which were radiographically detected. Endoscopic removal was attempted, but laparotomy was performed owing to impending perforation determined from intraoperative findings. Impending gastroduodenal perforation was diagnosed on the basis of laparotomy findings, and then repaired. The courses of patients accidentally ingesting solid foreign bodies, the majority of which would be naturally eliminated, are generally favorable. However, accidental ingestion of foreign bodies can be dangerous in some cases. Multiple magnets accidentally ingested can adhere to each other across the intestinal wall, causing crushing of the intestine and thus intestinal perforation or fistula formation. Individuals who accidentally ingest multiple magnetic materials, even if asymptomatic, may require surgery, and conservative follow-up examination is not recommended in our opinion. Instead, the ingested magnetic materials should be removed as early as possible.
