A toddler arrived in life-threatening condition after ingesting a string of high-powered magnets, a toy commonly found in many households. Pediatric surgeons at Rambam Health Care Campus (Rambam) intervened to prevent catastrophic internal damage.
A one‑year‑old toddler underwent emergency surgery at Rambam after doctors identified severe internal injuries caused by swallowing a magnetic necklace.
The toy, which can be found in many homes, caused significant harm to the child’s intestines. The Pediatric Surgery team at Rambam’s Ruth Rappaport Children’s Hospital performed abdominal surgery to treat the magnet‑related injuries and prevent further complications.
“It looks like an innocent chain of magnets, but they exert tremendous force”
There have been several cases of children ingesting similar magnets across Israel in recent months. “This is starting to feel like a national epidemic,” says Dr. Ran Steinberg, director of the Department of Pediatric Surgery. “It looks like an innocent chain of magnets, but they exert tremendous force, especially on the delicate intestines of a one‑year‑old child.”
The intestinal tissues in children at such a young age are extremely thin, measuring only 3–4 mm. When swallowed, a magnetic chain can break apart and scatter throughout the intestines. “The magnetic force pulls intestinal loops toward one another,” Dr. Steinberg explains. “This can cause perforations in the intestines, allowing material from the bowel to escape into the abdominal cavity, which can rapidly become life-threatening.”
Rambam urges parents to stay alert to potential hazards inside the home
At a time when many children are spending more hours at home and families are coping with ongoing wartime stress, Rambam urges parents to stay alert to potential hazards inside the home.
“Pay attention to what is within reach,” Dr. Steinberg adds. “If objects are small enough to swallow, and particularly if they are magnets capable of causing serious internal injury, remove them from the area without delay.”
