Teenager's Gut Clogged with Dozens of High-Powered Magnets, Surgery Required
A 13-year-old boy's decision to eat dozens of high-powered magnets has led to a life-threatening situation. The "high-power" magnets, which are five times stronger than traditional refrigerator magnets, were found in his bowel and large intestine after he complained of abdominal pain.
The teen had eaten between 80 and 100 magnets over the course of several days before seeking medical attention. During surgery, doctors discovered that the magnets had linked together into four chains inside the boy's bowel and large intestine, causing pressure necrosis due to the excessive pressure on his internal organs.
The operation was successful in removing the magnets, but not before they caused significant damage to the boy's digestive system. He required eight days of hospitalization before being discharged.
New Zealand has taken steps to ban high-powered magnets following a similar incident involving a child who ingested 250 magnets. However, enforcing this ban is proving challenging due to the ease with which these magnets can be purchased online from sites such as Temu.
Temu spokesperson confirmed that an internal review was conducted after the reported incident and stated that listings currently available for shipment in New Zealand comply with local regulations. The company has expressed its commitment to raising awareness about magnet safety and supporting efforts to educate consumers on the risks associated with swallowing these powerful objects.
This alarming incident highlights the dangers of high-powered magnets, which can cause severe internal damage if ingested. Online retailers like Amazon and AliExpress continue to list these products for sale in New Zealand, despite existing regulations aimed at curbing their sale.
A 13-year-old boy's decision to eat dozens of high-powered magnets has led to a life-threatening situation. The "high-power" magnets, which are five times stronger than traditional refrigerator magnets, were found in his bowel and large intestine after he complained of abdominal pain.
The teen had eaten between 80 and 100 magnets over the course of several days before seeking medical attention. During surgery, doctors discovered that the magnets had linked together into four chains inside the boy's bowel and large intestine, causing pressure necrosis due to the excessive pressure on his internal organs.
The operation was successful in removing the magnets, but not before they caused significant damage to the boy's digestive system. He required eight days of hospitalization before being discharged.
New Zealand has taken steps to ban high-powered magnets following a similar incident involving a child who ingested 250 magnets. However, enforcing this ban is proving challenging due to the ease with which these magnets can be purchased online from sites such as Temu.
Temu spokesperson confirmed that an internal review was conducted after the reported incident and stated that listings currently available for shipment in New Zealand comply with local regulations. The company has expressed its commitment to raising awareness about magnet safety and supporting efforts to educate consumers on the risks associated with swallowing these powerful objects.
This alarming incident highlights the dangers of high-powered magnets, which can cause severe internal damage if ingested. Online retailers like Amazon and AliExpress continue to list these products for sale in New Zealand, despite existing regulations aimed at curbing their sale.