Prevalence of Foreign Bodies Ingestion in Children

Abstract

Foreign body ingestion is one of the common pediatric emergency conditions and can lead to childhood morbidity, and mortality. We think that the results of this study will be of utmost usefulness for pediatric surgeons when considering foreign bodies' ingestion in children. We decided to study the age distribution, nature, the site of impaction, and fate of foreign body ingestion in children. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 77 children with foreign body ingestion, from February 2017 to July 2021(54 months). A total of 77 patients with foreign body ingestion were diagnosed during the study period. Forty percent were boys and 60% were girls. The maximum age of participants was 1-2 years, accounting for 55%. Batteries were the most common foreign bodies ingested accounting for 26% followed by magnets (13%), and coins 6.5%. The most common site of foreign body impaction was the stomach (34%), colon (26%), and small bowel (23%). Majorities of foreign bodies (72%) were passed through the gastrointestinal tract without complication, 18 % required extraction by the upper endoscope, and 10% were removed surgically. We conclude that increasing awareness among parents to check the quality and safety protocols of electronic toys that contain batteries and magnets.