“Bucking” for a Diagnosis

Abstract

Foreign body ingestions are all too common in children. The adverse effects of many of these ingestions are well known. We present an interesting case report of "Buckyballs" and the implications of ingesting or placing in other orifices these strong rare-earth magnets. We illustrate that these toys can be of possible disastrous consequences. Although these products were removed from the marketplace, there is still the possibility of negative consequences. Our aim was to inform the physician population of their persistence and negative effects.

Pediatric Multiple High-Powered Magnetic Buckyballs Ingestion—Experience From Six Tertiary Medical Centers

“…Delicate manipulation is essential, while excessive force may lead to a risk of gut perforation and leak ( 28 , 29 ). If the time since ingestion is >12 h and Buckyballs are suspected to have passed through the pylorus into the small bowel, a series of abdominal radiography is needed ( 30 , 31 ), and surgical intervention should be considered in those who present symptoms and signs of acute abdomen. Laparoscopic surgery is an ideal approach depending on an experienced surgeon team and available facilities.…”

“…Ingestion of multiple high-powered Buckyballs in children may lead to a high risk of severe gastrointestinal injuries, which need prompt decision-making and surgical intervention ( 30 ). In unwitnessed cases, a vague medical history and presentation of nonspecific symptoms often make the diagnosis difficult.…”

Successful Endoscopic Removal of 42 Magnetic Balls

“…[1] The children's toy known as "Buckyballs" is spherical fullerene molecules with C 60 formula made of 20 hexagons and 12 pentagons with a carbon atom at each vertex. [2] These and similar rare earth metals are have been made into magnetic children's toys and are 5-10 times stronger than traditional magnets. [2] Ingestion of these toy magnetic balls has been associated with serious gastrointestinal (GI) injuries requiring emergent surgical interventions such as laparoscopy or laparotomy, GI perforation, fistula formation, and death in some cases.…”

“…[2] These and similar rare earth metals are have been made into magnetic children's toys and are 5-10 times stronger than traditional magnets. [2] Ingestion of these toy magnetic balls has been associated with serious gastrointestinal (GI) injuries requiring emergent surgical interventions such as laparoscopy or laparotomy, GI perforation, fistula formation, and death in some cases. [1][2][3][4] Reviews of studies that discuss multiple magnet ingestions have reported successful endoscopic removal of up to ingestion of 27 magnets.…”

“…[2] Ingestion of these toy magnetic balls has been associated with serious gastrointestinal (GI) injuries requiring emergent surgical interventions such as laparoscopy or laparotomy, GI perforation, fistula formation, and death in some cases. [1][2][3][4] Reviews of studies that discuss multiple magnet ingestions have reported successful endoscopic removal of up to ingestion of 27 magnets. Here, we describe successful endoscopic removal following ingestion of 42 magnets, avoiding hospitalization and the morbidity associated with surgical intervention.…”