Removal of ingested metallic foreign bodies from children by orogastric magnetic tube

Abstract

Summary. Fifteen patients with cases of metallic foreign bodies in the oesophagus and stomach were referred for fluoroscopic removal by a magnet coupled to an orogastric tube. Removal was successful in all 15 cases. No fluoroscopic removal by a magnet coupled to an complications occurred and no patients required hospital admission, endoscopic or surgical intervention, or general anaesthesia. The authors conclude that orogastric magnet removal is a minimally invasive and well-tolerated method and an alternative to endoscopic or surgical removal.

Key Words:

• children
• magnet removal
• orogastric