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Updated: Jul 5, 2026
04:55
Handheld Metal Detector Screening for Metallic Foreign Body Ingestion in Children
Published on: September 11, 2018
[Swallowing magnets: a dangerous game. A case report]
C Raquillet1, F Guérin, H Martelli
1Service de chirurgie pédiatrique, hôpital Bicêtre, AP-HP, 78, rue du Général-Leclerc, 94275 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre cedex, France.
Summary
Ingesting multiple magnets or a magnet and metal object poses a serious health risk for children. Early endoscopic removal is recommended before magnets pass the pylorus to prevent severe complications.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Emergency Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Ingestion of magnetic foreign bodies is a recognized pediatric health hazard.
- A national alert has been issued in France regarding this issue.
- This report details the first documented case in France.
Observation:
- The ingestion of at least two magnets, or one magnet and a metallic foreign body, separated by a time interval, is responsible for complications.
- These ingestions can lead to significant gastrointestinal distress and injury.
Findings:
- Endoscopic extraction is strongly recommended for foreign bodies that have not yet passed the pylorus.
- Continuous observation is necessary for magnets that have advanced further into the intestinal tract.
Implications:
- This case highlights the critical need for increased awareness among pediatricians and emergency physicians.
- Prompt recognition and management are crucial to prevent severe complications from pediatric magnet ingestion.
- Understanding the unique risks associated with multiple magnetic foreign bodies is essential for timely intervention.
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