An unusual sharp magnetic foreign body in the oesophagus and its removal: A case report

Ingestion of foreign bodies is a common pediatric problem. The majority of ingested foreign bodies pass spontaneously. Oesophageal foreign bodies should be urgently removed because of their potential to cause complications. Ingested batteries that lodge in the oesophagus, sharp or pointed foreign bodies in the oesophageal or gastric tract, and ingestion of multiple magnets all require urgent endoscopic removal. A 4-year-old boy ingested a sharp magnetic foreign body, which was removed via rigid oesophagoscopy without complication. To the best of our knowledge, this is the only sharp magnetic foreign body ingested by a young child ever reported in the English-language literature. We describe the presentation and therapeutic procedure adopted in this case.