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Updated: Aug 17, 2026
Handheld Metal Detector Screening for Metallic Foreign Body Ingestion in Children
Published on: September 11, 2018
[Active management of children after ingestion of a button battery]
J Bekhof1, O F Norbruis, R Scheenstra
1Isala Klinieken, locatie Sophia, afd. Kindergeneeskunde, Dr. Van Heesweg 2, 8025 AB Zwolle. j.bekhof@isala.nl
Insights
Button battery ingestion in children can cause severe complications like esophageal stenosis and fistulas. Urgent medical evaluation and intervention are crucial for managing these foreign body ingestions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Emergency Medicine
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Button battery ingestion is a growing concern in children due to the prevalence of small electronic devices.
- Foreign body ingestion is a common pediatric emergency requiring prompt medical attention.
Observation:
- Four children presented with button battery ingestion, with varying outcomes.
- Two cases resolved spontaneously, while two others developed severe esophageal complications.
Findings:
- Severe complications included esophageal stenosis and a tracheo-esophageal fistula.
- Electrochemical burns and impaction can lead to rapid tissue damage.
Implications:
- Button battery ingestion necessitates urgent referral and radiological assessment.
- Endoscopic removal is recommended for esophageal battery impaction; conservative management may be suitable for gastric or distal foreign bodies if asymptomatic.
Abstract:
Four children, three girls in the age range up to 14 months and a boy aged 10 years, were admitted because of button battery ingestion. In two patients, the course was uncomplicated, with spontaneous passage of the batteries. Two other patients, a girl aged 11 months and a girl aged 6 weeks, developed severe complications: stenosis of the oesophagus in one patient and a dramatic clinical course with a tracheo-oesophageal fistula and oesophageal damage in the other. Ingestion of foreign bodies in children is a common problem. With the increased use of miniature electronic devices, the incidence of button battery ingestion is rising. Ingestion of a battery is an indication for urgent referral and radiological examination. Electrochemical tissue damage and impaction may lead to serious complications within hours. If the battery is located in the oesophagus, endoscopic removal should be attempted as soon as possible. A conservative approach can be followed when the battery is located in the stomach or beyond, and complaints are absent.
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