Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 3, 2026

Handheld Metal Detector Screening for Metallic Foreign Body Ingestion in Children
Published on: September 11, 2018
Down the Rabbit Hole-Considerations for Ingested Foreign Bodies
Jerry Brown1, Molly Kidder2, Abigail Fabbrini1
1University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.
Insights
A seven-year-old boy had a metallic foreign body lodged in his appendix for ten months, discovered incidentally via X-ray. Appendectomy was performed to prevent future appendicitis, highlighting challenges in diagnosing foreign body ingestion in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Radiology
Background:
- Foreign body ingestion is common in children, but appendiceal retention is rare.
- Diagnosis can be challenging, especially in non-verbal or developmentally delayed patients.
Observation:
- A seven-year-old boy presented with constipation, and an abdominal X-ray incidentally revealed a foreign body in the right lower quadrant.
- Despite multiple bowel cleanouts, the foreign body persisted in the appendix over ten months.
- The patient remained asymptomatic for acute appendicitis.
Findings:
- Laparoscopic appendectomy was performed due to the risk of future appendicitis.
- A small metallic object was successfully removed from the appendix.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of thorough investigation for retained foreign bodies, even without acute symptoms.
- It highlights diagnostic challenges in pediatric foreign body ingestion and the need for vigilance.
- Early detection and intervention can prevent serious complications like appendicitis.
Abstract:
We report the case of a seven-year-old boy with an ingested foreign body, which was retained within the appendix for a known duration of ten months, ultimately requiring appendectomy. The ingested foreign body was incidentally discovered by abdominal x-ray at an emergency room visit for constipation. Despite four bowel cleanouts, subsequent x-rays showed persistence of the foreign body in the right lower quadrant. While the patient did not have signs or symptoms of acute appendicitis, laparoscopic appendectomy was performed due to the risk of this foreign body causing appendicitis in the future. A small metallic object was found within the appendix upon removal. This case highlights the unique challenge presented by foreign body ingestions in non-verbal or developmentally challenged children and the importance of further diagnostic workup when concerns arise for potential retained foreign bodies.
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