Magnetic bead embedded in abdominal cavity successfully retrieved by endoscopy

A 2-year-old boy presented with loss of appetite and recurrent cough with expectoration for 1 year. Abdominal radiography performed 3 months prior revealed a circular, bead-like high-density shadow in the upper abdomen. Eleven magnetic beads were successfully extracted via gastroscopy at a local hospital; however, subsequent abdominal X-ray indicated that one bead remained in a fixed position ([Fig. 1]).

Fig. 1 Abdominal X-ray showing a magnetic bead inside the body.

Upon admission to our hospital, gastroscopy revealed a scar on the lesser curvature of the antrum, but no foreign body was visible within the stomach ([Fig. 2]). A subsequent endoscopic ultrasound identified a hyperechoic image outside the gastric wall at the site of the antral scar ([Fig. 3]).

Fig. 2 Gastroscopy showing a scar on the lesser curvature of the antral region.

Fig. 3 Ultrasound showing a strong echoic image outside the gastric wall at the site of the antral scar.

Following multidisciplinary team consultation, endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) was attempted to remove the magnetic bead while minimizing surgical trauma. However, the bead could not be visualized during the procedure. To facilitate localization, a custom-made magnetic guidance device was employed. A small magnet embedded within an endoscopic retrieval net was introduced into the gastric cavity to detect the bead’s position ([Fig. 4]). Once fully exposed, the bead was retrieved using endoscopic grasping forceps, and the wound was closed using hemostatic clips ([Video 1]).

Fig. 4 Custom-made guidance device featuring a small magnet embedded in a disposable endoscopic retrieval net.

A small magnet was embedded in an endoscopic retrieval net and introduced into the abdominal cavity to localize and remove a magnetic bead from a 2-year-old child.Video 1

The magnetic beads likely formed a cluster within the stomach due to their mutual attraction, potentially leading to transmural migration and encapsulation outside the gastric wall. EFTR, combined with the magnetic guidance device, successfully enabled foreign body removal without the need for invasive surgery.

The management of magnetic foreign body ingestion in children has been extensively reported [1] [2] [3]. However, to our knowledge, this is the first documented case of a magnetic bead embedded within the abdominal cavity of a 2-year-old child, successfully retrieved using an endoscopic approach alone. Accurate diagnosis is crucial, and our innovative endoscopic technique provides a minimally invasive alternative for similar cases.

Endoscopy_UCTN_Code_TTT_1AO_2AB

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Acknowledgement

We acknowledge the work of past and present members of Departments of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Endoscopy, and Paediatrics, Guangdong Provincial Peopleʼs Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China. Furthermore, we are grateful to Prof. Xun Jiang from the Department of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital Air Force Military, for providing the magnets used in this case. We are also grateful to Yang Li for his assistance in video processing and editing.

• References

• 1 Huang X, Hu J, Xia Z. et al. Multiple magnetic foreign body ingestion in pediatric patients: a single-center retrospective review. Pediatr Surg Int 2021; 37: 639-643
• 2 Waters AM, Teitelbaum DH, Thorne V. et al. Surgical management and morbidity of pediatric magnet ingestions. J Surg Res 2015; 199: 137-140
• 3 Zhang S, Zhang L, Chen Q. et al. Management of magnetic foreign body ingestion in children. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100: e24055

Publication History

Article published online:
03 March 2025