A 13-year-old from New Zealand swallowed around 200 magnets, suffering serious intestinal damage.
He admitted that he had swallowed hundreds of neodymium-iron magnets a week earlier, but the actual number removed from his body was almost double that.
X-rays revealed four strings of magnets scattered throughout the boy’s intestines. Once they entered his digestive system, the tiny metal pieces bonded together.
During the operation, it was confirmed that the strings of magnets from the small intestine and the cecum were pulled close to each other, compressing the surrounding tissue, writes sciencealert .
This led to the interruption of blood supply and the death of some parts of the intestine – a condition known as pressure necrosis.
Although surgeons were forced to remove part of his intestines, the teenager recovered successfully and was discharged home after eight days.
Doctors warn that small, powerful magnets, often sold as toys or anti-stress accessories, can be very dangerous if swallowed.
Although their sale is banned in New Zealand, many children buy them through foreign online stores.
Authorities are calling on parents to be careful about their children’s purchases and not allow the use of these magnets. /Telegraph/
