Mansoura University Children's Hospital successfully saved a child who had swallowed 20 objects using a combined endoscopic and surgical procedure

Twelve objects were removed endoscopically, followed by an urgent surgical intervention to remove eight more from the small intestine.

The President of Mansoura University stated that the integration of medical specialties and the rapid response were key to the successful handling of this critical case.

In a rare medical case, a multidisciplinary medical team at Mansoura University Children's Hospital successfully saved the life of a five-year-old child who had swallowed 20 objects, including seven batteries and thirteen high-strength magnets. The case required two consecutive endoscopic and surgical procedures, and the child was discharged from the hospital after his condition stabilized.

 Prof. Cherif Khater, President of Mansoura University, affirmed that this success underscores the efficiency of the medical system within the university hospitals and its readiness to handle critical and complex cases. He noted that the achievement was the result of teamwork and rapid coordination among various medical specialties, an approach the university is keen to solidify to ensure the highest level of healthcare for patients.

The university president commended the efforts of the university hospitals' administration, led by Prof. Ashraf Shoma, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Chairman of the Board of Directors of University Hospitals and Specialized Medical Centers, and Prof. El-Shaarawy Kamal, Executive Director of University Hospitals, for supporting the treatment system and providing the necessary human and technological resources to handle complex cases. He also praised their role in developing medical services and enhancing the quality of healthcare provided to patients.

He further commended the efforts of the administration of the University Children's Hospital, the heads of departments and medical units, the medical teams, nursing staff, and support personnel, emphasizing that this achievement embodies the level of integration among various medical specialties and highlights the competence of the hospital's staff and their ability to skillfully manage complex cases. Upon the child's arrival at the emergency department of the University Children's Hospital, the medical team immediately began the assessment and diagnosis process. Prof. Jasser Hesham, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, examined the case, and tests and X-rays revealed a large number of batteries and magnetic pieces inside the digestive tract. This posed a serious risk of intestinal perforation and life-threatening complications if immediate intervention was not undertaken.

Prof. Mona Mohamed Hafez, Director of the University Children's Hospital, followed the case closely from the moment of admission. In coordination with Prof. Ayman Hammad, Head of the Department of Pediatrics, and Prof. Mohamed Ezz, Head of the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, an urgent treatment plan was developed. This plan included initiating endoscopic intervention, considered the most appropriate option at this stage.

 The child underwent a comprehensive clinical evaluation and a thorough review of tests and scans before the endoscopy, performed under the supervision of Dr. Mohamed Ezz, with the participation of Dr. Israa Zeinhom, Assistant Lecturer of Pediatrics, and Dr. Ahmed Hassan, Gastroenterology Fellowship Trainee. The team successfully removed 12 foreign objects, including 5 batteries and 7 high-strength magnets, while preserving the integrity of the digestive tract and without any complications during the procedure.

The endoscopic intervention team also included resident physicians Iman Mohamed and Abdel Rahman Hamza, resident physician Alaa Mohamed Ali (anesthesiology), Dr. Sarah Al-Ali, Assistant Lecturer of Radiology, and Mahmoud Ashraf, endoscopy technician.

However, subsequent radiological assessment confirmed the continued presence of eight other foreign objects in the small intestine, including 6 magnets and 2 batteries, which could not be accessed endoscopically. This necessitated immediate surgical intervention to complete the procedure and save the child's life. The pediatric surgery team, led by Dr. Hisham Sha'ir, Head of the Pediatric Surgery Department, and supervised by Dr. Mohamed El-Bashbishy, ​​Assistant Professor of Pediatric Surgery, along with Dr. Ahmed Sharaf, Assistant Lecturer, Dr. Mohamed El-Banna, and Dr. Ahmed Alaa, Pediatric Surgery Residents, successfully removed the remaining foreign objects. The child was monitored until his condition stabilized completely and was discharged from the hospital after a satisfactory recovery.

Prof. Mona Mohamed Hafez explained that the successful treatment of this case underscores the hospital's readiness in terms of medical capabilities and modern equipment, as well as the efficient coordination between different departments and specialties. This ensures rapid decision-making and the provision of comprehensive and safe healthcare for children.

Dr. Mohamed Ezz emphasized that the speed of diagnosis and endoscopic intervention were crucial factors in managing the case, noting that collaboration between various specialties contributed to achieving the best possible treatment outcome for the child. Dr. Ayman Hammad explained that the department places great importance on raising awareness about the dangers of children swallowing foreign objects, noting the launch of the "Safe Environment... Safe Child" campaign to educate families on how to prevent such incidents and reduce their risks.

Dr. Hisham Sha'ir affirmed the readiness of the pediatric surgery teams to handle delicate and emergency cases through rapid intervention using the latest surgical techniques, thus contributing to minimizing complications and achieving the best treatment outcomes.

This achievement underscores the efficiency of Mansoura University Hospitals in dealing with complex medical cases through the integration of specialties and rapid decision-making, further solidifying their position as one of the leading university medical institutions in Egypt.