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Cooling or Warming the Esophagus to Reduce Esophageal Injury During Left Atrial Ablation in the Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: March 15, 2020
Oesophageal button battery injuries: think again
Rajeev Jarugula1, Tavey Dorofaeff
1Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, Royal Children's Hospital, Herston, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. drrajeev@gmail.com
Emergency Medicine Australasia : EMA
|April 15, 2011
Summary
Delayed button battery removal in infants can cause severe complications like spinal erosion and tracheo-oesophageal fistula. Close follow-up is crucial for children experiencing delayed medical care after button battery ingestion.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Otolaryngology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Accidental button battery ingestion is a common pediatric emergency.
- Esophageal foreign body impaction necessitates prompt medical intervention.
Observation:
- Two infant cases presented with delayed medical care after button battery ingestion.
- Button batteries were identified and removed as esophageal foreign bodies.
Findings:
- Delayed removal led to significant morbidity in both cases.
- One infant developed spinal erosion; the other, a tracheo-oesophageal fistula.
- Button battery ingestion can cause chronic inflammation and surrounding tissue injury.
Implications:
- Close monitoring is essential for children with delayed button battery removal.
- Early diagnosis and intervention are critical to prevent severe complications.
- Understanding the long-term sequelae of button battery ingestion is vital for pediatric care.
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