Bowel obstruction due to ingestion of a water-absorbing bead

Fuger, M.; Desmoulins, C.; Khen-Dunlop, Naziha; Gobbo, F.; Blakime, P.; Chéron, G.

doi:10.1016/j.arcped.2017.12.004

Cited by 12 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 8 publications

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“…Discussion and conclusion SAP beads are small round objects made of inorganic material. They are an inexpensive and widely available children's toy with the appearance of candy [7].…”

Section: Case Presentationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Superabsorbent polymer (SAP) bead capable of increasing its original size up to 200 times once placed in water [7]. It has the appearance of candy, and thus, is commonly ingested by children [8,9].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Serious intestinal obstruction following the ingestion of these beads has been reported [7,10]. A brand of SAP beads called Water Balz was recalled by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to its potential hazard on the gastrointestinal system [8].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Aspiration of superabsorbent polymer beads resulting in focal lung damage: a case report

Alharbi

Dabbour

2020

BMC Pediatr

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Background: Concerns have recently been raised about reported incidents of intestinal obstruction following ingestion of Superabsorbent polymer (SAP) beads. Texas Poison Centers reported 110 cases of superabsorbent polymer bead ingestions between 2011 and 2016 (Pediatr Emerg Care 35:426-7, 2019). Furthermore, cases of related auditory complications following the placement of SAP beads into the external auditory canal have also been reported. Here, we report the first case of significant airway damage secondary to the ingestion of a SAP bead (Orbeez), which was aspirated and then overlooked. Further, we hypothesized that the capability of the bead to expand in size once exposed to water from the respiratory mucous may contribute to airway damage. Case presentation: A 3-year-old boy presented to our hospital with persistent cough and recurrent hospitalizations to the general ward and intensive care unit. The boy was diagnosed with focal lung bronchiectasis in the left lower lobe, which occurred after the patient aspirated an Orbeez bead before a year. The bead was removed using flexible bronchoscopy and a retrieval basket. Conclusion: Orbeez beads are commonly ingested by young children resulting in gastrointestinal obstruction. The beads can easily be aspirated by children and overlooked by their caregivers and physicians for long periods of time due to their small size. The bead can cause significant airway damage after multiplying in size when coming into contact with respiratory mucus which consists of 95% water.

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“…Discussion and conclusion SAP beads are small round objects made of inorganic material. They are an inexpensive and widely available children's toy with the appearance of candy [7].…”

Section: Case Presentationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Aspiration of superabsorbent polymer beads resulting in focal lung damage: a case report

Alharbi

Dabbour

2020

BMC Pediatr

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“…2 When swallowed, the slippery beads pass through gastrointestinal tract (GIT) until it absorbs water and gets enlarged rapidly causing acute intestinal obstruction, morbidity and occasionally mortality, especially in younger children below 2 years of age. [2][3][4][5][6][7] The laparoscopic minimally invasive surgery (lap-MIS) surgery is challenging to locate and retrieve the fragile slippery gel beads. Here we summarize our innovative technique of successful lap-MIS as a feasible and safe alternative to open surgery in children for GIT obstruction due to SAPGBs.…”

Section: Introductionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Laparoscopic surgery for intestinal obstruction in children due to water absorbing gel beads

Zhen

Hou

et al. 2019

J Patan Acad Health Sci

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Introductions: Super absorbent polymer gel bead (SAPGB) is increasingly available as toys for children. When ingested it swells by absorbs water and leads to acute intestinal obstruction. Diagnosis and surgery is challenging as its radiolucent, fragile and slippery. We present outcome of our innovative technique of stabilization and removal SAPGBs by laparoscopy minimal invasive surgery (lap-MIS). Methods: This retrospective analyse of outcome of lap-MIS in intestinal obstruction caused by ingestion of foreign body, the SAPGBs, in children who were managed at Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, China. The outcome variables included removal of SAPGBs, length of hospital stay and postoperative occurrence of anastomotic leak, wound infection, wound dehiscence, re-surgery, or mortality. Results: There were 15 children, male 9 (60%), average age 2 years, and duration of ingestion of SAPGBSs 1.5 days (range 2-4 days), parents gave history of accidental ingestion in 6 (40%). All children had uneventful postoperative recovery after lap-MIS removal of foreign body with no wound infection, anastomotic leak, re-surgery or mortality. Average hospital stay was 4 days (range 3 to 5 days). Conclusions: We had successful outcome lap-MIS with our innovative technique to stabilize and extract foreign bodies, the super water absorbent gel beads, ingested by children.

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“…It uses a spring to fire a small hydrated polymer sphere commonly known as a gel ball (figure 1). On bare skin, they may leave a small temporary welt but to date no injuries caused by a gel blaster have been reported in the literature—though ingestion of similar hydrating gel polymers has resulted in bowel obstruction 6. Furthermore, in some Australian jurisdictions these products have been deemed a toy—rather than a weapon—based on the belief they are unable to cause injury.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ocular injuries from gel blasters: not just a harmless toy

Hayes¹,

Dai

2019

BMJ Case Rep

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Gel blasters fire a hydrated gel polymer and are developed to circumvent the restrictions placed on paintball and airsoft guns. Because there are no reported cases of injury caused by gel blasters in the literature, some Australian jurisdictions have categorised them as a toy. Presented here are two cases of potentially blinding blunt ocular trauma which question the misguided notion they are a harmless toy. Two children each with a macrohyphaema were managed at a tertiary ophthalmology centre within 2 weeks of each other after being struck by a gel blaster projectile. Their vision ultimately returned to normal, but both face lifelong risks of ocular complications. These cases highlight the need for vigilance, and the appropriate restriction of powerful weapons, with the inherent need for eye protection when operating any such projectiles reiterated. It is recommended their licensing is made congruous with paintball guns to prevent false reassurance of their safety.

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Bowel obstruction due to ingestion of a water-absorbing bead

Cited by 12 publications

References 8 publications

Aspiration of superabsorbent polymer beads resulting in focal lung damage: a case report

Aspiration of superabsorbent polymer beads resulting in focal lung damage: a case report

Laparoscopic surgery for intestinal obstruction in children due to water absorbing gel beads

Ocular injuries from gel blasters: not just a harmless toy

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