Therapeutic approach to ingested button-type batteries. Magnetic removal of ingested button-type batteries.

Button-type batteries ingested by 13 children were removed from the esophagus and the upper gastro-intestinal tract by means of the FE-EX "OGTM-technique". An initial radiogram from the nasopharynx to the anus was performed. We used the FE-EX tube magnet with a cylindric Vacomax/Vacodym magnet. In all cases the button type battery was easily detected and retracted under fluoroscopic control with the magnet. All patients tolerated the procedure without subjective complaints and were discharged soon without a need of anesthesia, surgery/endoscopy or more radiography. The FE-EX "OGTM" procedure is a relatively non-invasive approach to a potentially catastrophic pediatric problem.