Diagnosis and treatment of 8 cases of children ingesting multiple magnetic foreign bodies by mistake

Objective To explore the clinical characteristics of multiple magnetic digestive tract foreign bodies ingested by mistake, to review the previous literature and provide reference for clinical treatment. Methods The clinical data, treatment process and outcome of 8 cases of children with multiple magnetic foreign bodies admitted to Shanxi Children′s Hospital were retrospectively analyzed, and relevant literatures were reviewed. Results Eight children with multiple magnets were aged 1 to 9 years old, and their medical history ranged from 5 hours to 2 months.Number of magnets ingested was 2-25.During the operation, 6 patients were found with multiple intestinal perforations, 1 with internal fistula and 2 with internal abdominal hernia, with at least 2 perforations and at most 6 perforations.The perforation sites located in the distal esophagus, stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileum and colon.Seven cases were treated by emergency surgery, and 1 case was removed by colonoscopy and discharged after conservative treatment.One case underwent simple repair, 1 case underwent gastrojejunostomy, intestinal perforation repair; partial intestinal resection was performed in 2 places in 2 cases; partial intestinal resection was performed in 1 place and simple repair in the other places in 2 case; 1 case of fistula in child with intestinal anastomosis laparoscopic exploration, incision bowel resection.Seven cases recovered after surgical treatment.The child with intestinal obstruction after colonoscopy was discharged uneventfully 9 days later by conservative treatment, no complications occurred by followed-up.Combined with experience and literature, we developed a management algorithm for digestive tract magnet foreign body. Conclusion Accidental ingestion of multiple magnets can cause multiple digestive tract perforations, internal hernia, intestinal obstruction and other serious diseases, which should be treated as soon as possible.Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the understanding of multiple magnet foreign bodies in children, early detection and early treatment. Key words: Multiple magnet; Digestive tract foreign body; Children