Management of button batteries in the upper gastrointestinal tract of children

Abstract Background: To analyze the lodging locations of ingested button batteries in the upper gastrointestinal tract of children, common complications and treatment effects. Methods: The clinical data of 14 children with ingested button batteries lodged in the upper gastrointestinal tract were analyzed in our hospital between 2017 and 2019. Results: Among 10 children with ingested button batteries lodged in the first stenosis of esophagus, 9 were cured and 1 suffered from esophagotracheal fistula 12 days after removal. One child with the ingested button battery lodged in the second stenosis of esophagus was dead due to intercurrent aortoesophageal fistula 13 days after removal. Two cases had ingested button batteries lodged in the third stenosis of esophagus, and were cured after removal. The ingested button battery in 1 case was lodged in the gastrointestinal tract, and discharged spontaneously 1 day after hospital admission. Conclusions: Ingested button batteries are mainly lodged in the esophageal stenoses. Longer retention time could induce esophageal fistula. The ingested button battery in the gastrointestinal tract can discharge spontaneously.