Doctors at Tawam Hospital in Al Ain have removed 21 magnets from the stomach of a 23-month-old baby.
The magnets had triggered eight gastrointestinal perforations and four aortoenteric fistulas between the child’s stomach, colon and intestines.
Aortoenteric fistulas are an abnormal connection between the aorta (or aortoiliac tree) and the gastrointestinal tract. This can lead to significant blood loss in the intestines.
The operation was performed by a team led by Dr Khalid Al Harbi, consultant paediatric pulmonologist at the facility.
Dr Al Harbi said the case came to light after the baby was hospitalised and it was found that the child had swallowed 21 magnetic pieces. The magnets stuck together inside the baby’s body, which necessitated an immediate surgical intervention. Failure to do so would have put pressure on the baby’s veins and resulted in dire consequences.
“Thanks to God Almighty, the professionalism of the medical team and the high-tech surgical equipment at the hospital, we managed to remove the magnets and close the gastrointestinal perforations. The child is now safe and left the hospital in a good condition,” he added.
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