Laparoscopic assisted extraction of multiple ingested magnets leading to entero-enteric fistulae- Case report of three patients

In the recent past years, the incidence of accidental ingestion of magnets in pediatric age group, has been increasingly reported. Ingestion of multiple magnets is a matter of worry because these can pose serious threats to health. The trapped gut between magnets residing in different locations, can lead to intestinal ischemia, pressure necrosis, perforation, peritonitis, fistula formation, intestinal obstruction, intestinal volvulus and even death. The accidental magnets ingestion may be witnesses or unwitnessed. Similarly, following ingestion, the patient may present with intestinal symptoms or may be asymptomatic. Abdominal radiograph is the best modality to diagnose these foreign bodies. Following multiple magnets ingestion, some intervention in the form of endoscopy, laparoscopy or open surgery, accordingly, is crucial for early removal of magnets and also to avoid potential complications. Herein, we present three cases of multiple magnets ingestion, leading to enter-enteric fistulae, which were retrieved with laparoscopic assistance.