The outcomes of injuries due to button batteries becoming lodged in the esophagus in children

Abstract

Objective: The outcomes of button battery lodgment in the esophagus in children can be life threatening. Management of this injury after button battery removal is controversial. The aim of the present study was to compare the relevant studies in the literature with our experience of cases with a button battery lodged in the esophagus. Material and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in all individuals who were referred for ingestion of a foreign body and who underwent eosophagoscopy at the Department of Pediatric Surgery between January 2007 and May 2012. Each operative report was reviewed to determine whether a button battery was present. Cases with a button battery lodged in the esophagus were reviewed regarding patient characteristics, clinical presentation, management strategy, outcome, and button battery features. Results: Sixteen patients (10 males, six females; age, 2-99 months; mean age, 34.81±25.23 months) were admitted due to a button battery lodged in the esophagus. The majority of patients were aged <6 years. The time to diagnosis was between 1 h and 7 days. Ingestion of the button battery by ~44% of the patients was not witnessed. The majority of button batteries were lodged in the proximal esophagus (43.7%). Eight patients had esophageal injuries at various stages. Six patients had a normal esophagus. Two patients developed a tracheo-esophageal fistula and both died. The mean duration of hospitalization was 6.8 days. Conclusions: A button battery lodged in the esophagus in children is an urgent condition. In such cases, urgent endoscopic removal and a close follow up is required. © 2013 by Türkiye Klinikleri.