In northern Israel, a nine-year-old boy swallowed several magnets and was rushed to the emergency department of Aemek Hospital in Afula by his parents. Doctors were able to remove the magnets from his intestines using a colonoscopy, according to Channel Seven. Dr. Sameh Tatur, a specialist in pediatric gastroenterology, confirmed that the boy was in good condition upon admission, with no vomiting or pain. He underwent a fluoroscopy which revealed the magnets stuck together in a chain in his small intestine.
The boy was hospitalized for observation and it was determined that the magnets were stuck at the junction of the small intestine and colon. A colonoscopy was performed under general anesthesia to remove the magnets without the need for abdominal surgery. The boy recovered quickly and was discharged home with no health issues. Dr. Tatur warns that magnets are not toys and children should not play with them, as they can cause serious harm if swallowed.
Magnets can stick together in different parts of the intestines, leading to compression, necrosis, and perforation of the intestine. This can result in intestinal obstruction, intoxication, organ damage, and the need for urgent surgery or resection of part of the intestine. Dr. Tatur advises parents to be cautious with children’s toys, avoid leaving toys with removable magnetic parts within reach of children, and refrain from buying magnetic construction sets. If such toys are present, it is best to dispose of them to prevent accidents
