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Intestinal Obstruction Due to Super Absorbent Polymer Bead Ingestion in Children

Krishna Kumar Govindarajan1, Mohanaprakash Arasappan2

  • 1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Pondicherry, India.

Journal of the College of Physicians and Surgeons--Pakistan : JCPSP
|February 16, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Super absorbent polymer (SAP) ingestion in children can cause serious intestinal obstruction, even when not initially obvious. Prompt diagnosis and management are crucial for these foreign body cases.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Ingested foreign bodies (FBs) in children typically pass without complications.
  • Certain FBs, including super absorbent polymers (SAP), pose significant health hazards like intestinal obstruction and perforation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report two pediatric cases of intestinal obstruction caused by SAP ingestion.
  • To highlight the importance of considering SAP ingestion in children with unexplained intestinal obstruction.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of two children presenting with symptoms suggestive of intestinal obstruction.
  • Review of clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, and management strategies.

Main Results:

  • Both patients presented with bilious vomiting and signs of intestinal obstruction.
  • SAP ingestion was identified as the underlying cause, requiring surgical intervention.
  • Delayed diagnosis of SAP foreign body can lead to severe complications.

Conclusions:

  • Super absorbent polymers are a notable cause of pediatric intestinal obstruction.
  • High index of suspicion for FB ingestion, especially SAP, is necessary for children with uncertain intestinal obstruction.
  • Timely diagnosis and surgical management are vital for favorable outcomes in SAP-induced intestinal obstruction.

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