Aurora Starchild
This 4-year-old could have died. A little boy with intense stomach pain, vomiting, and constipation was hospitalized and had his appendix removed. When he failed to recover, doctors finally discovered the culprit: a bracelet comprised of 18 hexagonally shaped magnetic beads. The 4-year-old boy had eaten the magnetic bracelet and it lodged inside his intestines.
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Doctors Didn’t See the Magnets at First, Performed the Wrong Operation
Little kids have been known to eat strange objects, which is one reason why it’s so difficult to be a parent. But the parents of the 4-year-old boy had no idea that he had eaten a magnetic bracelet. It turns out that the doctors didn’t know, either.
According to a case report published in the Journal of Pediatric Surgery, the boy’s blood work and symptoms suggested signs of appendicitis. But when he continued to vomit bile after his operation, he received a second surgery. Doctors did a laparotomy, opening up his stomach. That’s when they discovered the massive magnetic bracelet.
According to the case report, some children enjoy the metallic taste of magnets. While licking a magnet won’t do any harm, eating it certainly can. While some metal objects may pass through the intestinal tract with no issues, others can get stuck. In the 4-year-old’s case, swallowing the bangle led to intestinal obstruction. He had developed tissue ischemia, which is when tissue dies from a lack of blood flow.
The Magnetic Bracelet Was Cutting Into the 4-Year-Old Boy’s Intestinal Walls
Intestinal obstruction has a significant chance of death according to the case report. Not only are blocked intestines an emergency, but peristalsis can make it worse. In the 4-year-old’s case, the beads were stuck but moving in a way that cut into the sides of his intestinal walls. That can lead to toxic shock and other problems related to fluids leaking into or out of the intestines.
Luckily, doctors found the magnetic bracelet in time to remove it and save the child’s life. He was discharged 6 days after surgery and a 6-month follow-up determined he was doing fine.
The doctors involved in this study further recommend that patients presenting similar symptoms undergo a series of tests and scans prior to the operation. X-rays and ultrasounds should be part of those tests.
This issue isn’t limited to people, either. Dogs and other animals can also get intestinal blockages which can be difficult to diagnose. Don’t take the chance: Make sure you scan your home and floors so your loved ones don’t have a painful emergency!
