In a rare and frightening incident, physicians in Noida successfully retrieved six magnets from the stomach of an 11-year-old kid who had accidentally ingested them while playing. The toddler was sent to the hospital after suffering gastrointestinal ache for several days. Following a CT scan, physicians discovered that many tiny magnets were lodged inside his intestines, posing a serious threat to his life. 

According to media sources, the tragedy happened when the toddler, oblivious of the dangers, swallowed six button-shaped magnets. These little items passed via his food pipe and into the digestive system, eventually reaching the intestines. According to experts, the magnets had clumped together in a tight cluster, causing a portion of the intestine to become squeezed and injured — a scenario that might have resulted in severe internal harm or even death if not addressed. 

Dr S.S. Chawla, a renowned consultant in paediatric urology, described how the magnets were shaped like round balls and formed a chain inside the child's intestines. "One magnet had even stuck to the stomach wall," he told me. "Such objects can puncture the intestine or get trapped in the airways, making it very dangerous." 

The medical team performed laparoscopy, a minimally invasive surgical technique that involves inserting small tools and a camera through tiny slits in the abdomen to carefully find and remove the magnets. Doctors also performed endoscopy, which involves inspecting the inside of the digestive tract using a flexible tube and a camera. These sophisticated procedures enabled them to identify and extract the magnets without causing damage to the surrounding tissues. 

"Fortunately, no severe tear was found in the intestines," a hospital doctor stated. "Five magnets were removed from one section of the intestine and one from the stomach near the food pipe." 

The child's condition improved substantially following surgery, and he was discharged in excellent health. 

Medical professionals advise parents to use extreme caution, particularly if they have young children at home. Children readily eat magnets, button batteries, and other small objects, which can trap them in the digestive or respiratory systems and cause an emergency. 

According to the Indian Academy of Paediatrics, foreign object ingestion is one of the most prevalent emergency cases among children under the age of five. While many materials pass through the system unharmed, sharp or magnetic items might pose serious issues. 

Doctors emphasise the importance of seeking immediate medical assistance if a child experiences symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, or trouble breathing after playing with small things.