A 10-year-old boy with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) narrowly escaped a life-threatening medical emergency after accidentally swallowing multiple magnetic objects. Doctors at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, successfully performed emergency surgery to remove the magnets before they caused irreversible intestinal damage.
The child was admitted with severe abdominal pain and persistent vomiting. Dr. Badshah Khan, Consultant Paediatrician, suspected an intestinal obstruction and advised immediate admission. An X-ray and CT scan confirmed metallic objects lodged in the small intestine, while a colonoscopy ruled out their presence in the large bowel.
As per the press release, Dr. Bhavesh Doshi, Consultant Paediatric Surgeon, along with Dr. Pradeep Shenoy, performed an emergency exploratory laparotomy. Surgeons removed a cluster of magnets trapped in the terminal ileum through an enterotomy and repaired the bowel. Fortunately, there was no intestinal perforation despite the prolonged presence of the magnets. The child recovered well and was discharged in stable condition a week later.
Doctors Stress Early Medical Attention
Dr. Badshah Khan said magnets are far more dangerous than most swallowed objects because they can attract each other through different sections of the intestine, leading to obstruction, perforation, infection, and other life-threatening complications. He urged parents, especially those caring for children with autism or developmental disorders, to keep magnetic toys, magnetic beads, button batteries, coins, and other small metallic objects out of children’s reach.
Dr. Bhavesh Doshi added that multiple magnets can cause bowel injury within hours. He emphasized that timely imaging, multidisciplinary care, and prompt surgery helped prevent irreversible damage in this case.
Safety Advisory
Doctors at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, advised parents to seek immediate medical care if magnet ingestion is suspected. They cautioned against waiting for symptoms or inducing vomiting, as early treatment can prevent intestinal perforation and other serious complications.