Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 20, 2026

Handheld Metal Detector Screening for Metallic Foreign Body Ingestion in Children
Published on: September 11, 2018
Severe esophageal injuries caused by accidental button battery ingestion in children
Sara Fuentes1, Indalecio Cano1, María Isabel Benavent1
1Department of Pediatric Surgery, 12 de Octubre University Hospital, Madrid, Spain.
Insights
Button batteries lodged in the esophagus, though rare in children, pose a significant risk of severe injury. Prompt endoscopy is crucial to prevent serious esophageal damage from these foreign bodies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Emergency Medicine
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Button battery ingestion is a rare but serious pediatric emergency.
- Esophageal impaction of button batteries carries a high risk of severe tissue damage.
Observation:
- Three pediatric cases of button battery impaction in the esophagus are presented.
- All cases involved significant esophageal burns (EB).
- Two of the three cases progressed to esophageal stenosis.
Findings:
- A literature review identified 29 additional cases.
- Documented injuries include esophageal burns (EB), perforation (EP), and tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF).
- Tissue damage can occur rapidly, even within hours of ingestion.
Implications:
- Immediate endoscopic intervention is critical for managing esophageal button battery foreign bodies.
- Further research into button battery safety standards and size limitations is recommended for prevention.
- Early diagnosis and management are key to mitigating severe pediatric esophageal injury.
Introduction:
Button batteries represent a low percentage of all foreign bodies swallowed by children and esophageal location is even less frequent. However, these cases are more likely to develop severe injuries. The aim of this essay is to report three cases treated in our institution and review previous reports.
Material And Methods:
Chart review and literature search.
Case Reports:
We treated three children between 2-7- years old with button batteries lodged at esophagus. They all presented esophageal burns (EB), which evolved in esophageal stenosis in two out of the three cases.
Results:
We found 29 more cases in literature and the injuries included EB, esophageal perforation (EP) and tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF).
Discussion:
Swallowed button batteries rarely remain in esophagus, but these cases present a higher risk of tisular damage. Injuries can take place even after few hours; and therefore, endoscopy must be performed as soon as possible. Further study on button batteries' safety and the establishment of a maximum size for them would be good preventive measures.
Related Concept Videos
Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction
The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus....
Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Clinical Manifestations:
Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...
Esophageal Achalasia
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
Barrett Esophagus-I: Introduction
This constant acid exposure transforms the esophagus's pink mucosal lining (stratified squamous epithelium) into a type of lining more...

