20 mm lithium button battery causing an oesophageal perforation in a toddler: lessons in diagnosis and treatment. Issue 8 (1st May 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Soccorso, Giampiero; Grossman, Ole; Martinelli, Massimo; Marven, Sean S; Patel, Kirtik; Thomson, Mike; Roberts, Julian P
• Is Part Of: Archives of disease in childhood. Volume 97:Issue 8(2012)
• Page Start: 746
• Page End: 747
• Publication Date: 2012-05-01
• Subjects: Children -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2012-301631
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-9888

Abstract

Abstract : Swallowed button batteries (BB) which remain lodged in the oesophagus are at risk of serious complications, particularly in young children. The authors report a 3-year-old child, who rapidly developed an oesophageal perforation, following the ingestion of a 20-mm lithium BB which was initially mistaken for a coin. A thoracotomy and T-tube management of the perforation led to a positive outcome. BBs (20 mm) in children should be removed quickly and close observation is required as the damage initiated by the battery can lead to a significant injury within a few hours.