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A new method for the removal of safety pins ingested by children
Zafer Türkyilmaz1, Ramazan Karabulut, Kaan Sönmez
1Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Ankara, Turkey. zafertrk@yahoo.com
Insights
A novel technique effectively removes ingested safety pins from children's stomachs. This minimally invasive approach reduces hospital stays and complications, offering a safer alternative for pediatric foreign body removal.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Foreign body ingestion is a frequent pediatric concern, with safety pin ingestion being notably common in Turkey.
- Traditional removal methods can be invasive and carry risks.
Observation:
- Two pediatric cases (9-month-old girl, 6-month-old boy) presented with safety pins lodged in their stomachs, detected via abdominal X-rays.
- After three months, the pins remained, necessitating surgical intervention.
Findings:
- A new technique involving limited upper laparotomy was employed.
- An orogastric tube was used to extract the safety pin without requiring gastrotomy, pinning the open end from outside the stomach.
Implications:
- This minimally invasive safety pin removal method offers reduced hospitalization time.
- The technique presents fewer complications compared to traditional surgical interventions for pediatric foreign body ingestion.
Introduction:
Foreign body ingestion is a common problem in children. Safety pin ingestion is common in Turkey. We describe a new method of removal for safety pins in our 2 cases.
Clinical Picture:
A 9-month-old girl and a 6-month-old boy had each ingested a safety pin. Abdominal X-rays detected the safety pins in their stomachs. At the end of 3 months, the foreign bodies still remained in their stomachs and laparotomy was indicated.
Treatment And Outcome:
This technique consists of a limited midline upper laparotomy with vertical incision. Without the utilisation of a gastrotomy, an orogastric tube was inserted into the stomach and the open end of the safety pin was pinned to the tube from outside the stomach. The orogastric tube was gently pulled out to remove the safety pin.
Conclusion:
This method provides shorter hospitalisation time and fewer complications.
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