Chemical burn and holes in the intestines: children's games that ended in the operating room

In the past two weeks, the Emek Medical Center treated two severe cases of foreign body ingestion in children: a 4-year-old boy swallowed a button battery that caused a chemical burn in his esophagus, and a 5-year-old girl swallowed 16 magnets that caused five holes in her intestine. Both were operated on successfully. The doctors warn parents of the dangers and emphasize the importance of arriving quickly to the emergency room.

In the past two weeks, the teams at Emek Medical Center treated two severe cases of foreign body ingestion in children. A 4-year-old boy swallowed a button battery, which caused a chemical burn in his esophagus. He underwent gastroscopy under full anesthesia, and the battery was removed. There was minor damage to the esophagus, and he was released home in good condition. A 5-year-old girl swallowed 16 toy magnets, which caused five holes in her intestine. She underwent a complex surgery, in which the ends of the intestine were reconnected. The girl is in recovery. The doctors, Dr. Rinawi and Dr. Arkovich, emphasize that parental vigilance and quick arrival at the hospital were critical. They warn that button batteries can cause severe damage within two hours, and that magnets can cause necrosis and holes in the digestive tract. They call on parents to keep these objects away from children and to seek immediate medical attention if ingestion is suspected.