Israeli Hospital Treats Two Children for Dangerous Ingestions of Battery and Magnets

Two severe cases of children swallowing hazardous objects were treated at Emek Medical Center in Afula within two weeks. A four-year-old boy ingested a button battery, which required emergency surgery to remove it from his esophagus. Dr. Firas Rinawi, head of pediatric gastroenterology at the hospital, emphasized the urgency, warning that a battery lodged in the esophagus for more than two hours can cause severe chemical burns, perforations, vocal cord damage, life-threatening infections, heavy bleeding, and damage to major blood vessels. Thanks to the mother’s quick action, the boy underwent a gastroscopy under general anesthesia, and although minor esophageal damage was observed, he was discharged in good condition after hospitalization.

In a second, more complex case, a five-year-old girl swallowed 16 small magnetic balls from a toy. The magnets had passed into her intestines, where they attracted each other across different intestinal loops, causing significant tissue damage and creating five perforations. Dr. Mark Arkowitz, head of pediatric surgery, explained that endoscopic removal was impossible, necessitating urgent surgery. The damaged intestinal sections were removed and the healthy ends reconnected in a complex procedure. The surgery was successful, and the girl is currently recovering. Dr. Arkowitz warned that children who swallow magnets may initially show few symptoms, but serious complications can develop rapidly, so immediate medical evaluation is critical if ingestion is suspected.

Both doctors stressed the importance of rapid hospital arrival after swallowing foreign objects, as early symptoms may be absent despite severe internal damage. They cautioned parents that seemingly harmless household items like batteries and magnets can cause life-threatening injuries in children.