Alexander Semaan1, Tobias Klein2, Mohammad Reza Vahdad2, Thomas M Boemers2, Rebecca Pohle2. 1. Department of Pediatric Surgery and Pediatric Urology, Children's Hospital of Cologne, Kliniken der Stadt Köln gGmbH, Amsterdamer Straße, Cologne, Germany. Electronic address: papers.semaan@gmail.com. 2. Department of Pediatric Surgery and Pediatric Urology, Children's Hospital of Cologne, Kliniken der Stadt Köln gGmbH, Amsterdamer Straße, Cologne, Germany.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The ingestion or insertion of alkaline batteries in the body can cause severe damage to hollow organs. We report here a case of severe vaginal burns in a young patient caused by an alkaline battery. CASE: A 5-year-old girl presented to our outpatient department with pelvic pain and vaginal discharge. Further workup suggested the presence of a vaginal foreign body. Under general anesthesia, an alkaline battery was removed from her vagina, which showed severe burns with partial-thickness necrosis. Complete healing was confirmed at 3 months after initial presentation. CONCLUSIONS: In this rare case of an alkaline battery present in the vagina of a prepubescent girl, we discuss the available treatment and management options in comparison to similar previously reported cases.
BACKGROUND: The ingestion or insertion of alkaline batteries in the body can cause severe damage to hollow organs. We report here a case of severe vaginal burns in a young patient caused by an alkaline battery. CASE: A 5-year-old girl presented to our outpatient department with pelvic pain and vaginal discharge. Further workup suggested the presence of a vaginal foreign body. Under general anesthesia, an alkaline battery was removed from her vagina, which showed severe burns with partial-thickness necrosis. Complete healing was confirmed at 3 months after initial presentation. CONCLUSIONS: In this rare case of an alkaline battery present in the vagina of a prepubescent girl, we discuss the available treatment and management options in comparison to similar previously reported cases.