17 Magnetic Balls Surgically Removed from 3-Year-Old's Abdomen in Yerevan

The Muratsan University Hospital has issued a statement regarding a serious case involving a 3-year-old child. The child's parents approached the hospital, noting that their child had been playing with magnetic balls and, after some time, noticed that most of them were missing.

Upon examination by a surgeon at the university clinic, the abdomen was found to be palpably soft, with no vomiting or complaints reported. An abdominal X-ray was conducted, revealing a total of 17 radiopaque balls.

An emergency laparotomy was performed, allowing for a revision of the abdominal cavity, during which tightly adhered loops of intestines were discovered. Following the separation of these loops, perforated areas were identified in various sections of the intestines, including the stomach, caused by the 17 magnetic balls, which were subsequently removed and the integrity of the perforated areas restored.

The postoperative course was smooth, and the child was discharged in good health.

Dear parents, cases like this are not uncommon in our practice. We urge you to be more vigilant and to keep children away from toys and items that contain small parts that could pose a risk to their health and life.