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Ingestion of Multiple Magnets
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Multiple magnets = surgical emergency risk.
Decision
Outcome
Decision
Ingestion of multiple magnets — most concerning complication?
✓
Bowel necrosis, fistula, perforation from magnets attracting across bowel walls
✗
Stomach acid neutralization
Decision
Management?
✓
Endoscopic removal if reachable; surgery if past pylorus or symptoms
Outcome
Endoscopy or surgery; do NOT observe multiple magnets
Single small magnet may be observed; multiple magnets are emergent.