Teen Hospitalized After Swallowing Hijab Pin

A 16-and-a-half-year-old girl was urgently transported to Poriya Medical Center (Ziv Medical Center) after accidentally swallowing a hijab pin. The incident occurred while she was arranging her headscarf and had placed the pin between her lips. An abdominal scan revealed the pin lodged in her stomach without movement. She underwent an endoscopic procedure in the operating room, during which the pin was successfully removed. Doctors are warning that this is a known and dangerous phenomenon, as sharp objects like the pin can perforate the digestive tract, posing a life-threatening risk.

The girl arrived at the pediatric emergency room complaining of mild abdominal pain and discomfort, but showed no immediate signs of a critical emergency. However, the scan clearly showed the pin's shadow in her upper abdomen. She was immediately put on strict fasting, and a follow-up scan confirmed the pin had not moved. Given the potential danger, an urgent endoscopic intervention was decided upon.

Dr. Shadi Artool, director of pediatric gastroenterology, who performed the procedure, stated that the pin had already embedded itself deeply into the stomach wall. He described the situation as very sensitive and dangerous, as normal stomach contractions or patient movement could have deepened the penetration and caused a perforation. The operation required extreme precision to carefully maneuver the extraction tool. Using specialized endoscopic equipment, the pin was safely grasped, detached from the stomach wall, and removed without complications. The patient was transferred to the ward for monitoring and is recovering well.

While the girl's condition improved, her pain subsided, and she resumed normal eating and drinking before being discharged in excellent condition, Ziv Medical Center emphasized that this is not an isolated case but a recurring and concerning issue among women in the Arab community. Dr. Saeed Abu Zeid, director of pediatrics, highlighted the tangible risk of sharp objects causing injury to the digestive tract lining or wall, potentially leading to complications or requiring surgery. To prevent recurrence, he advised women to avoid placing pins in their mouths while arranging headscarves, recommending the use of a pin cushion or placing them on a stable surface instead.