Swallowed button batteries: is there a consensus on management?

Abstract

The optimum management of ingested button batteries was ascertained by postal

Aspiration pneumonia and esophagotracheal fistula secondary to button battery ingestion

“…Although there is no consensus in management, current research suggests that an initial roentgenogram be performed [1,3]. As observed in Fig.…”

“…Fortunately, most of these incidents resolve without medical intervention. In rare instances, particularly when the swallowed battery is of larger diameter (20-23 mm), the battery can become lodged in the esophagus necessitating medical attention [1][2][3][4]. We report a fatal incident in which a 3-year old girl swallowed a 20 mm button battery that resulted in the development of an esophagotracheal fistula with subsequent blood aspiration and acute bronchopneumonia.…”

Foreign Body Inhalation: A Case of Mistaken Identity?

“…However, in today's multicultural society it may be difficult to obtain an accurate history, and the assistance of an interpreter may be required. It is important to distinguish between inhaled and ingested foreign bodies, as management principles differ (2,5).…”

“…The reported complications of button battery ingestion include mercury poisoning, burns, esophageal stricture, perforation, tracheoesophageal fistula, aortoesophageal fistula, and hemorrhage (2,3,(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14). The likelihood of these complications varies with the site, thus the need for intervention to remove a button battery depends upon its site and the symptoms.…”

Battery Ingestion Leading to Bilateral Vocal Cord Paresis

“…5 Regardless, in all settings, emergentremovalisnecessary.Despite this, a survey completed by the endoscopic and pediatric sections of the British Society of Gastroenterology concluded that of the 312 respondents to the questionnaire, only 48.4% removed batteries ingested under certain circumstances, with an alarming 36.2% who had no concern and provided no therapy. 6 These values suggest that further education regarding thetreatmentofsuchingestionsiswarranted. It is important that all health care providers be wary of any foreign bodiessuspectedtobebatterybuttons.…”