Objective: Button batteries (BB) in the aerodigestive tract are a common cause of morbidity and mortality in infants and children worldwide. After the nose and ear, the esophagus is the most common site of foreign body impaction. The purpose of this study is to study the different presentations of button battery as a foreign body and present our experience in the diagnosis and management of this hazardous problem in children.

Methods: This study included 50 patients. The diagnostic protocol comprised of a detail history taking, physical examination of head and neck, and appropriate radiographic evaluation. The button batteries were emergently extracted under general anesthesia.

Results: The average follow-up period was 2.5 months. Thirty-five patients had an esophageal button battery. Six patients had button battery in the tracheobronchial area. Nine patients had a button battery in the stomach and below. One patient developed tracheoesophageal fistula, and one patient expired of aortoesophageal fistula.

Conclusion: Early detection is the key to the management of button battery as foreign bodies. They have a distinctive radiological appearance, and its prompt removal is mandatory, especially for batteries lodged in the aerodigestive tract. Physicians must recognize the hazardous potential and serious implications of such an accident. There is also a definite need for more public education and awareness about this serious problem.

Keywords: aerodigestive tract, button battery, oesophagoscopy.

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Dr Adnan Bashir Bhatti, MD

Department of Neonatal & Paediatric Surgery

Children Hospital PIMS, Islamabad, Pakistan

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