A Case of 2-Year-Old Child with Entero-Enteric Fistula Following Ingestion of 25 Magnets

Pogorelić, Zenon; Borić, Matija; Markić, Joško; Jukić, Miro; Grandić, Leo

doi:10.14712/18059694.2017.42

Acta Medica > Archive > 2016, Vol. 59 > Issue 4 > A Case of 2-Year-Old Child with…

Acta Med. 2016, 59: 140-142

https://doi.org/10.14712/18059694.2017.42

A Case of 2-Year-Old Child with Entero-Enteric Fistula Following Ingestion of 25 Magnets

Zenon Pogorelić^a, Matija Borić^b, Joško Markić^c, Miro Jukić^a, Leo Grandić^b

^aDepartment of Pediatric Surgery, Split University Hospital and University of Split, School of Medicine, Split, Croatia
^bDepartment of Surgery, Split University Hospital and University of Split, School of Medicine, Split, Croatia
^cDepartment of Pediatrics, Split University Hospital and University of Split, School of Medicine, Split, Croatia

Received November 30, 2016
Accepted December 12, 2016

Introduction: Magnet ingestion usually does not cause serious complications, but in case of multiple magnet ingestion or ingestion of magnet with other metal it could cause intestinal obstruction, fistula formation or even perforation. Case report: We report case of intestinal obstruction and fistula formation following ingestion of 25 magnets in a 2-year-old girl. Intraoperatively omega shaped intestinal loop with fistula caused by two magnetic balls was found. Intestine trapped with magnetic balls was edematous and inflamed. Resection of intestinal segment was performed, followed by entero-enteric anastomosis. A total of 25 magnets were removed from resected intestine. Conclusion: Single magnet ingestion is treated as non-magnetic foreign body. Multiple magnet ingestion should be closely monitored and surgical approach could be the best option to prevent or to cure its complications.