Laparoscopic Retrieval of “Stubborn” Foreign Bodies in the Foregut

Abstract

Foreign bodies (FBs) are commonly seen in pediatric and gastroenterologist practice. Most of them will pass without intervention; those that do not will need surgery. Laparoscopy has been used to achieve this to good effect. We present a child with ingestion of multiple magnets. The patient was a 2-year-old child with history of ingestion of magnets. Laparoscopy was planned as endoscopic removal had failed. There were 3 magnets in the stomach and 1 in the jejunum and they were attached together, as if in a "gastrojejunostomy." Laparoscopic removal was performed successfully for the child. He had an uneventful postoperative recovery and was discharged on the third postoperative day. Coins are the most commonly ingested FBs. Multiple magnet ingestion poses a unique problem, as they are likely to stick together and cause pressure necrosis with fistula formation. Surgical intervention is necessary to prevent this potentially deadly complication. Laparoscopy has been found to be very useful in the removal of intraluminal FBs, especially when conservative measures fail. Prevention should be the main objective and parental involvement is crucial.