A 19-month-old boy who swallowed a magnetic button battery that became lodged in his stomach and threatened to cause major harm was successfully treated at Manipal Hospital in Mukundapur. The baby recovered without any visible scars thanks to the delicate surgery carried out by paediatric surgeon and consultant Dr. Subhasis Saha using the laparoscopic (keyhole) technique.

On May 2, 2025, baby Agastya was taken to the hospital due to stomach pain and green vomiting. A foreign object in the stomach was visible on an X-ray. The same evening, doctors attempted to remove it by endoscopy, but the battery was already deeply embedded in the stomach wall and could not be safely removed in that manner.

The battery was removed via laparoscopic surgery on May 3rd in the morning by paediatric surgeon consultant Dr. Subhasis Saha. Using tiny incisions, the stomach was carefully opened during the procedure, and the battery was extracted without endangering any other organs. The same method was used to stitch the stomach back. The baby was able to resume eating after three days and had no visible scars because of the sophisticated procedure. Soon after, the child was released in good health.

Dr. Subhasis Saha said, “It is very dangerous for young children to consume magnetic button batteries. In a short amount of time, they can weaken the lining of the intestines or stomach, increasing the risk of internal bleeding, perforation, and even potentially fatal infections. We had to act quickly in Agastya’s case because the battery had already started to damage the stomach wall. We promptly scheduled a laparoscopic procedure after the endoscopic removal failed because of the battery’s position. Fortunately, we were able to remove the battery precisely and without harming other organs thanks to the minimally invasive technique. The procedure’s scarless nature also guaranteed the child a quicker recovery and less discomfort. Small items like batteries, magnets, and toy parts can quickly turn into invisible hazards, as this incident serves as a stark reminder to all parents. The first lines of defense are awareness and prevention. We are glad that Agastya made a full recovery, and we commend his parents for taking prompt action and following medical advice”.

This incident demonstrates the promptness and efficiency with which our staff at Manipal Hospital in Mukundapur can react to crises.

Priyanka Dutta