Successful emergency surgery for accidental ingestion of multiple neodymium magnets in an Argentine tegu (Salvator merianae).

A large Argentine tegu (Salvator merianae) presented with anorexia. Initial radiographs revealed a metallic foreign body in the stomach. The tegu vomited and became inactive two days later. A follow-up radiograph revealed the persistence of the foreign body in the same region. The foreign body was identified as a cluster of multiple magnets resembling neodymium magnets reported missing by the owner. An emergent laparotomy was performed due to gastrointestinal perforations caused by the multiple magnets. The surgical intervention revealed perforations in the walls of the stomach and small intestine and progressing acute peritonitis. Three magnets were extracted from the abdominal cavity and the tegu showed recovery. At 200 days postoperatively, the tegu continued to demonstrate good appetite and energy levels.

Pseudocalcifications: Radiologic-Pathologic Correlation of Postsurgical Gauze Artifacts.

Artifacts and foreign bodies can mimic microcalcifications. We report a series of 17 postsurgical women in whom mammograms showed fine linear radiodensities at the surgical bed. Vacuum-assisted biopsy histopathology of one of the lesions showed foreign bodies of different sizes with macrophage reaction. After discussion with the surgeons, we ascertained that a particular type of gauze was used that had fragmented, and we reproduced the mammographic appearance in a chicken breast. Furthermore, we showed the same pathology was reproduced in mice implanted with the gauze threads. It is important to be aware of this entity to avoid unnecessary examinations and even biopsy. The presence of foreign body linear gauze fragments at the surgical site can pose challenges in the mammographic follow-up of these patients.

Enterolith with a bonefish spine nidus in a Brazilian cownose ray Rhinoptera brasiliensis (Müller & Henle) (Myliobatiformes: Rhinopteridae).

An adult female Brazilian cownose ray (Rhinoptera brasiliensis), housed in Ubatuba Aquarium died after loss of appetite period. During necropsy, an enterolith was discovered partially obstructing the intestinal lumen. Examination of the enterolith revealed a bonefish spine nidus. Enterolithiasis has been linked to multiple factors including diet, genetics, alkaline intestinal environments and, as in this particular case, the ingestion and retention of foreign bodies. The composition of this enterolith from a cownose ray was primarily monohydrocalcite. This short communication, apparently the first to report enterolithiasis in stingrays, emphasizes the need for post-mortem examinations of carcasses on macroscopic and microscopic levels.

Evaluation of early ocular discomfort after glaucoma surgery: trabeculectomy versus Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation.

PURPOSE: This study aims to compare the initial ocular discomfort symptoms resulting from trabeculectomy and Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation surgeries. METHODS: A prospective comparative study was conducted. The evaluation of ocular discomfort employed a questionnaire designed to identify the frequency and severity of distinct symptoms: ocular pain, general discomfort, tearing, foreign body sensation, and burning. This questionnaire was administered prior to surgery as a baseline, and subsequently at 7, 30, and 90 days post-surgery. Simultaneously, the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) was applied at these same time intervals. RESULTS: The study encompassed a total of 17 patients (9 undergoing trabeculectomy and 8 undergoing Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation). The Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation group exhibited higher tearing levels at baseline (p=0.038). However, no statistically significant differences in symptoms were observed between the two surgeries at 7 and 30 days post-surgery. At the 90-day mark following surgery, patients who had undergone trabeculectomy reported a significantly higher foreign body sensation (p=0.004). Although OSDI scores did not differ between groups at baseline, the trabeculectomy group showed significantly higher OSDI scores than the Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation group at 7, 30, and 90 days after surgery (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Post-surgery, patients who had undergone trabeculectomy experienced increased foreign body sensation. Trabeculectomy appears to cause greater early postoperative ocular discomfort compared to the Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation group.

The global, regional, and national burden of foreign bodies from 1990 to 2019: a systematic analysis of the global burden of disease study 2019.

BACKGROUND: Foreign bodies (FBs) are a common emergency in medical institutions, that can occur in any area and among people of any age, which are common public health problems. Understanding the epidemiological characteristics of FBs is crucial for their prevention and control. The purpose of this study was to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of FBs worldwide through the data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 (GBD 2019). METHODS: We obtained data from the GBD 2019, which is an important public database to understand the disease burden of FBs. Joinpoint was used to analyze temporal trends in the incidence and death trends of FBs, which is widely used to study the long-term temporal trend of the burden of diseases. SaTScan was used to detect spatial-temporal clusters of pulmonary aspiration and foreign body in the airway (PAFBA), which is based on a Poisson model, scanning the number of people and diseases in the study area to obtain the spatial-temporal clusters of diseases. RESULTS: Globally, the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) and the age-standardized death rate (ASDR) of FBs in 2019 were 869.23/100,000 (679.92/100,000-1120.69/100,000) and 1.55/100,000 (1.41/100,000-1.67/100,000), respectively. The ASIR and ASDR showed downtrends with average annual percent changes (AAPCs) of -0.31% and - 1.47% from 1990 to 2019. Of note, the ASIR showed an uptrend during 2010-2019, especially in high, high-middle, and middle SDI regions. Stratified analysis by age group showed that ASIR increased in each age group in recent years. From 1990 to 2019, the ASDR in the over-70 age group showed an uptrend worldwide, especially in high and high-middle SDI regions. In different types of FBs, the ASDR of PAFBA was the highest. The death burden of PAFBA was mainly clustered in 82 countries during 1993-2007, such as Canada, Cuba, and Mexico. CONCLUSION: The most important goal is to improve public awareness and emergency knowledge of FBs through publicity methods, such as the internet or offline activities, and to improve laws and regulations. Additionally, different age groups need different targeted measures, such as strengthening the care of children, caring for elderly individuals, improving necessary monitoring programs and reporting systems, conducting effective hazard assessments, and publicity and education activities.

Heavyweight versus non-heavyweight mesh in ventral hernia repair: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: There is considerable variability among surgeons regarding the type of mesh used in ventral hernia repair. There has been an increasing incidence of mesh fractures with lightweight (LW) and mediumweight (MW) meshes. However, HW mesh has been associated with a greater foreign body sensation and chronic pain. This meta-analysis aims to compare the outcomes of HW and non-heavyweight (NHW) meshes in ventral hernia repair. METHODS: We systematically reviewed the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Scopus databases to identify studies comparing HW with NHW meshes in hernia repair. Outcomes analyzed included hernia recurrence, seroma, hematoma, foreign body sensation, postoperative pain, and wound infection. We performed two subgroup analyses focusing on randomized controlled trials and open retromuscular repairs. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4. RESULTS: We screened 1704 studies. Nine studies were finally included in this meta-analysis and comprised 3001 patients from 4 RCTs and 5 non-randomized. The majority of patients (57.1%) underwent open retromuscular repair. HW mesh was significantly associated with increased in foreign body sensation (OR 3.71; 95% CI 1.40-9.84; p = 0.008), but there was no difference in other outcomes. In RCTs analysis, there was no difference between meshes. In open retromuscular repairs, HW mesh was associated with more seromas (OR 1.48; 95% CI 1.01-2.17; p = 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our study found that HW mesh was associated with more foreign body sensation. Also, open retromuscular repairs analysis showed that HW was associated with more seromas. Further randomized studies are needed to understand better the role of HW mesh in ventral hernia repair.

Innate immunity response of zafirlukast treated-tilapia during foreign body inflammation.

There is limited knowledge regarding the blockade of cysteinyl leukotriene receptors (CysLTRs) and their effects in teleost fish. The present study investigated the effects of Zafirlukast, antagonist of CysLTR1 receptor, on the foreign body inflammatory reaction in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Zafirlukast-treated tilapia demonstrated a decrease in the formation of multinucleated foreign body giant cells and Langhans cells on the round glass coverslips implanted in the subcutaneous tissue, along with a significant reduction in white blood cell counts and decreased production of reactive oxygen species. There was an increase in serum levels of α2-macroglobulins, as well as a decrease in ceruloplasmin and haptoglobin. Zafirlukast treatment led to a significant decrease in the area of splenic melanomacrophage centers and a reduction in the presence of lipofuscin. These findings highlight the potential anti-inflammatory effects of zafirlukast treatment in tilapia and indicate its action on CysLTR1 receptor, modulating the innate immune response of tilapia during the foreign body reaction. The comprehension of chronic inflammation mechanisms in fish has become increasingly relevant, especially concerning the utilization of biomaterials for vaccine and drug delivery.

Aspectos gerais do retículo peritonite traumática em bovinos / General aspects of traumatic reticulum peritonitis in cattle / Aspectos generales de la peritonitis del retículo traumático en ganado

A Retículo Peritonite Traumática está diretamente ligada à ingestão de objetos metálicos perfuro cortantes, como pregos e pedaços de arame, que podem penetrar ou perfurar a parede do retículo. Embora a ocorrência de corpos estranhos de alumínio seja rara, outros elementos, como fios de pneus usados para fixar lonas em silagens e até cerdas de arame de escovas utilizadas em pequenos aeroportos, têm sido registrados como causas dessa afecção. A ingestão desses objetos pode resultar em lesões no retículo, desencadeando episódios de retículo peritonite traumática e suas sequelas, como pericardite traumática, inflamação do fígado, abscessos no baço e muito mais. Os sinais clínicos podem variar, mas incluem comportamento anormal, motilidade reduzida do rúmen, fezes mal digeridas, febre e sinais de dor. O diagnóstico baseia-se na avaliação dos sinais clínicos do animal, juntamente com exames complementares, como hemograma, bioquímico, ultrassom e radiografia. É importante considerar as alterações hematológicas, como leucocitose e hiperfibrinogenemia, como indicadores-chave desta afecção. O diagnóstico também envolve testes de dor ao corpo estranho. O tratamento pode ser conservativo ou cirúrgico. A abordagem conservativa envolve a administração de antibióticos, anti-inflamatórios e soluções intravenosas, além do tratamento de deficiências nutricionais subjacentes. A opção cirúrgica exige a remoção do corpo estranho do retículo, seguida de cuidados pós-operatórios.

Traumatic Reticulum Peritonitis this directly linked to the ingestion of sharp metallic objects, such as nails and pieces of wire, which can penetrate or pierce the wall of the reticulum. Although the occurrence of aluminum foreign bodies is rare, other elements, such as tire wires used to attach tarpaulins to silage and even wire bristles from brushes used in small airports, have been recorded as causes of this condition. Ingestion of these objects can result in damage to the reticulum, triggering episodes of traumatic reticulum peritonitis and its sequelae, such as traumatic pericarditis, liver inflammation, spleen abscesses and more. Clinical signs may vary but include abnormal behavior, reduced rumen motility, poorly digested feces, fever and signs of pain. The diagnosis is based on the evaluation of the animal's clinical signs, together with complementary tests, such as blood count, biochemistry, ultrasound and radiography. It is important to consider hematological changes, such as leukocytosis and hyperfibrinogenemia, as key indicators of this condition. Diagnosis also involves foreign body pain testing. Treatment can be conservative or surgical. The conservative approach involves administering antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and intravenous solutions, in addition to treating underlying nutritional deficiencies. The surgical option requires removal of the foreign body from the reticulum, followed by post-operative care.

La peritonitis traumática del retículo esto directamente ligada a la ingestión de objetos metálicos punzantes, como clavos y trozos de alambre, que pueden penetrar o perforar la pared del retículo. Aunque la aparición de cuerpos extraños de aluminio es rara, se han registrado como causas de esta afección otros elementos, como los alambres de neumáticos utilizados para fijar las lonas al ensilaje e incluso las cerdas de alambre de los cepillos utilizados en los aeropuertos pequeños. La ingestión de estos objetos puede provocar daños en el retículo, desencadenando episodios de peritonitis traumática del retículo y sus secuelas, como pericarditis traumática, inflamación del hígado, abscesos del bazo y más. Los signos clínicos pueden variar, pero incluyen comportamiento anormal, motilidad ruminal reducida, heces mal digeridas, fiebre y signos de dolor. El diagnóstico se basa en la evaluación de los signos clínicos del animal, junto con pruebas complementarias, como hemograma, bioquímica, ecografía y radiografía. Es importante considerar los cambios hematológicos, como la leucocitosis y la hiperfibrinogenemia, como indicadores clave de esta afección. El diagnóstico también implica la prueba del dolor por cuerpo extraño. El tratamiento puede ser conservador o quirúrgico. El enfoque conservador implica la administración de antibióticos, antiinflamatorios y soluciones intravenosas, además de tratar las deficiencias nutricionales subyacentes. La opción quirúrgica requiere la extracción del cuerpo extraño del retículo, seguida de cuidados postoperatorios.

Analysis of 108 flexible bronchoscopies for the removal of foreign bodies from the airways.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical, bronchoscopic, diagnostic, and therapeutic aspects between children and adults. METHODS: This retrospective study compared the clinical and bronchoscopic characteristics of adults and children who underwent bronchoscopy for suspected foreign body aspiration. Data on sex, outpatient or emergency origin, bronchoscopy results, characteristics of the aspirated foreign body, and complications were analyzed. RESULTS: In total, 108 patients were included in the analysis, with foreign body aspiration diagnosed in 69% of patients (30 children and 44 adults). In 91% of patients, there was a clinical history suggestive of aspiration. The mean age of the adults was 65.89 (±19.75) years, and that of the children was 2.28 (±1.78) years. Most of the children were under 3 years of age (80%), while adults were mostly 70 years of age or older (54.5%). Emergency care was more common among children than adults. The most common foreign bodies found in both age groups were organic bodies, primarily seeds. The most frequent locations of foreign bodies were the lobar bronchi in adults and the main bronchi in children. Flexible bronchoscopy is the primary method for diagnosis and treatment. Transient hypoxemia occurred particularly frequently in children (5%). CONCLUSION: Foreign body aspiration, particularly that involving seeds, is more common in the extremes of age. A clinical history suggestive of aspiration is crucial in determining the need for bronchoscopy, which should be performed as early as possible. Flexible bronchoscopy is an effective and safe diagnostic technique.

Experiencia de cuerpos extraños en vía aérea en el Hospital Clínico UC / The experience of foreign bodies in the airway in the Hospital Clínico UC

Introducción: El cuerpo extraño en vía aérea es una patología infrecuente en el área Otorrinolaringológica, siendo la primera causa de muerte accidental de la especialidad. La alta sospecha clínica es fundamental para lograr un diagnóstico precoz. El Hospital Clínico de la Universidad Católica es un centro de referencia a nivel nacional para el manejo de esta patología. Objetivo: Realizar una descripción epidemiológica de los pacientes con diagnóstico de cuerpo extraño en vía aérea sometidos a revisión de vía aérea de los pacientes atendidos en el Hospital Clínico de la Universidad Católica entre los años 2018-2021. Material y Método: Estudio retrospectivo y descriptivo. Se revisaron las fichas clínicas de pacientes con revisión de vía aérea realizada entre junio 2018 y julio 2021. Estudio cuenta con la aprobación del comité de ética de nuestro hospital. Resultados: Se incluyó un total de 13 pacientes con diagnóstico de cuerpo extraño en vía aérea. 62% de los pacientes fueron de sexo masculino. Rango de edad entre 0 y 11 años, mediana de edad de 1 año. El 100% de los pacientes presentó algún síntoma respiratorio y un 90% presentó síndrome de penetración. El cuerpo extraño se evidenció en el 30% de las radiografías. El 100% de las revisiones de vía aérea se hizo con ventilación espontánea. El 70% se localizó en los bronquios. No hubo mortalidad asociada al procedimiento. Conclusión: Las cifras encontradas en nuestro estudio fueron similares a las reportadas en las diferentes series a nivel internacional.

Introduction: Foreign body in the airway is a rare condition in the Otorhinolaryngology field, being the leading cause of accidental death in the specialty. High clinical suspicion is crucial for achieving an early diagnosis. The Hospital Clínico de la Universidad Católica is a national reference center for the management of this condition. Aim: To provide an epidemiological description of patients diagnosed with foreign bodies in the airway who underwent airway review at the Hospital Clínico de la Universidad Católica between the years 2018-2021. Materials and Method: A retrospective and descriptive study. Clinical records of patients who underwent airway review between June 2018 and July 2021 were reviewed. The study has received approval from our hospital's ethics committee. Results: A total of 13 patients with a diagnosis of foreign bodies in the airway were included. 62% of the patients were male. The age ranged from 0 to 11 years, with a median age of 1 year. 100% of the patients presented respiratory symptoms, and 90% presented with a penetration syndrome. The foreign body was evident in 30% of the X-rays. All airway reviews were conducted with spontaneous ventilation. 70% of the foreign bodies were located in the bronchi. There was no mortality associated with the procedure. Conclusion: The findings in our study were similar to those reported in various international series.

Cuerpo extraño en espacio paraglótico / Foreign body in the paraglottic space

Los cuerpos extraños en la vía aérea son una urgencia muy común en la práctica de la otorrinolaringología. La mayoría suelen encontrarse en población pediátrica donde la gravedad es mayor. En adultos estos episodios suelen ser accidentales, siendo la exploración física fundamental para su diagnóstico. Exponemos aquí el caso de un varón qué presentó una espina de pescado en el área interaritenoidea.

Foreign bodies in the airway are a very common emergency in the practice of otorhinolaryngology, the majority of which are usually found in the pediatric population. In adults, these episodes are usually accidental, and physical examination is fundamental for its diagnosis. We report a case of fish bone impaction in the interarytenoid area.

Prevalencia de cristales de colesterol en granulomas perirradiculares de origen endodóntico / Prevalence of cholesterol crystals in periradicular granulomas of endodontic origin

Objetivos: Identificar y determinar la prevalencia de cristales de colesterol (CRCo) en granulomas perirradiculares de origen endodóntico y el tipo de reacción que provocan en los tejidos circundantes. Material y métodos: Se estudiaron con microscopía óptica 75 preparados histológicos de archivo pertenecientes a lesiones perirradiculares humanas correspondientes a piezas dentarias que habían recibido un tratamiento endodóntico pre- vio y que, según los informes que acompañaban las muestras, habían sido obtenidas mediante una apicectomía. Del total, 68 muestras fueron diagnosticadas como granulomas, mientras que los 7 restantes se diagnosticaron como quistes inflamato- rios y fueron descartadas. Resultados: 39 granulomas pertenecían a pacientes de sexo femenino con presencia de CRCo en el 58,97% de los ca- sos. Los 29 granulomas restantes pertenecían al sexo mascu- lino y presentaron CRCo en un 41,37%. La mayor proporción de CRCo fue hallada en granulomas pertenecientes a pacien- tes mayores de 62 años. Los CRCo se observaron rodeados de macrófagos y células gigantes multinucleadas, provocando una reacción a cuerpo extraño. También se observaron células espumosas en áreas circundantes. Conclusiones: La presencia de CRCo en granulomas perirradiculares de origen endodóntico provoca una reacción a cuerpo extraño que puede interferir con el proceso de re- paración posendodóntico especialmente en pacientes de edad avanzada (AU)

Aim: Identify and determine the prevalence of cholester- ol crystals (CRCo) in periradicular granulomas of endodontic origin and the type of reaction they produce in the surround- ing tissues. Material and methods: 75 archival histological preparations were studied with optical microscopy. They be- longed to human periradicular lesions corresponding to teeth that had received a previous endodontic treatment and that, according to the reports accompanying the samples, had been obtained by an apicoectomy. Of the total, 68 samples were diagnosed as granulomas, while the remaining 7 were diag- nosed as inflammatory cysts and were discarded. Results: 39 granulomas corresponded to female patients in which the presence of CRCo was observed in 58.97% of the cases. The remaining 29 granulomas were from male patients and showed CRCo in 41.37% of the cases. The highest pro- portion of CRCo was found in patients over 62 years of age. The CRCo were surrounded by macrophages and multinucle- ated giant cells causing a foreign body reaction. Foam cells were also observed in the surrounding areas. Conclusions: The presence of CRCo in periradicular granulomas of endodontic origin could be a factor interfering with periapical healing after conventional endodontic thera- py, especially in elderly patients (AU)

Dog and Cat Bites: Rapid Evidence Review.

Animal bites are a significant burden to health care systems worldwide. In the United States, dog bites account for an average of 337,000 emergency visits and generate medical costs of up to $2 billion per year. Most animal bites in adults and children are from a dog, and most bite patients are children who have been bitten by animals known to them. Dog bites may cause crush and soft-tissue avulsion, whereas cat bites usually cause deeper puncture-type wounds. Children most often present with dog bites on the head and neck, and adolescents and adults usually present with dog bites on the extremities and hands. Bite wounds should be examined, cleaned, and irrigated with warm water or normal saline solution, and any foreign bodies and devitalized tissue should be removed. Neurovascular function (e.g., pulses, sensation) and range and movement of adjacent joints should be examined and documented. Antibiotic prophylaxis, with amoxicillin/clavulanate as the first-line choice, should be considered for all bites, particularly for those at increased risk of infection. Imaging and laboratory studies are usually not required unless there is suspicion of a retained foreign body, damage to underlying structures, infection, or extensive injury. Primary closure of bite wounds may be performed if there is low risk of infection. The need for tetanus vaccination and rabies postexposure prophylaxis should be evaluated for each patient; bites that do not break the skin generally do not require rabies postexposure prophylaxis.

Foreign body ingestion due to detachment of pill dispenser tips in cats: a retrospective study of 13 cases.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate and describe 13 cases in which a pet piller broke during the administration of medication, and the tip was accidentally ingested by the cat. METHODS: A total of 15 presentations to the clinic were identified in a private practice database involving 13 cats in which the silicone tip broke. Two of these cats ingested foreign bodies on two separate occasions. Routine radiographic examination enabled the identification of silicone tips in all animals. On 2/15 occasions, the cats did not receive an emetic drug. Intramuscular xylazine (0.2 mg/kg) and dexmedetomidine (6 µg/kg) were administered to 12/15 and 1/15 cats, respectively. RESULTS: The cats were aged 3-17 years (mean age 11.00 ± 4.35 years). Vomiting occurred in 13 cats that received alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonists, although the silicone tip was recovered in only five occurrences. In 9/15 occurrences, endoscopy was performed under general inhalation anesthesia, and the silicone tip was successfully removed. Natural elimination occurred in only one case. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The use of pet pillers with detachable silicone tips increases the risk of accidental foreign body ingestion by animals. Therefore, guidelines regarding safety standards for manufacturing would be beneficial. No cat in this series developed clinical signs related to the ingestion of the piller tip, probably because of the quick presentation by the owners and early intervention, including endoscopic retrieval. Surgical intervention was not required in any case, including one in which the foreign body was lodged within the small intestine before being passed naturally by the cat.

Maternal temperament and anxiety sensitivity in children with foreign body aspiration.

OBJECTIVE: Foreign body aspiration is one of the childhood emergencies that thoracic surgeons are interested in, and it can cause morbidity and mortality. Although the relationship between various behavioral problems related to children and foreign body aspiration has been investigated so far, there is no study investigating the relationship between maternal temperament and anxiety sensitivity. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between maternal emotional temperament, anxiety sensitivity, and foreign body aspiration. METHODS: Mothers of 18 children with foreign body aspiration have been evaluated by a thoracic surgeon, and 18 healthy controls have also been included in the study. Maternal emotional temperament has been measured with the Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris, and San Diego - Auto questionnaire scale, and anxiety sensitivity has been measured with the Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3. RESULTS: There has been no statistically significant difference between groups in terms of maternal emotional temperament and anxiety sensitivity. In the logistic regression analysis conducted to determine the predictors of foreign body aspiration, it is determined that the mother's anxious temperament has predicted foreign body aspiration significantly. CONCLUSION: As a result of the study, it can be concluded that mothers' anxious temperament can be considered a risk factor for foreign body aspiration because it affects parenting skills and children's ability to manage behavioral problems. Consistent results could be able to be obtained with studies including larger samples on the subject.

Bowel obstruction related to hydrogel beads.

BACKGROUND: Bowel obstruction due to accidental ingestion of foreign objects occurs rarely in children because 80 to 90% of the objects can pass freely through the gastrointestinal tract. CASE REPORT: We report a case of a 14-month-old infant who presented bowel obstruction caused by the ingestion of hydrogel beads (sodium polyacrylate). Hydrogel beads are used as sensory and didactic toys that can increase their initial size 200 to 400 times by liquid absorption. An abdominal X-ray was perfomed in anteroposterior supine projection, where a round filling defect at the loop of the right flank was detected; this came to our attention because hydrogel beads are usually radiolucent. The diagnosis was established by abdominal ultrasound where free intraperitoneal fluid was reported with data of small bowel pseudo-obstruction by foreign objects. Conservative treatment was prescribed, finding persistence of increased abdominal perimeter, so an enterotomy was performed for their removal; finding impacted hydrogel beads 30 centimeters from the ileocecal valve. CONCLUSIONS: Hydrogel beads are dangerous for the pediatric population. The evolution of the patient was favorable thanks to the knowledge of the foreign objects ingested. The expectant behavior that had to be executed, stands out because we had no knowledge as to the maximum size of the hydrogel in the gastrointestinal tract.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La obstrucción intestinal por ingesta accidental de cuerpos extraños se presenta muy rara vez en la edad pediátrica debido a que del 80 al 90% de los objetos pueden pasar libremente por el tracto gastrointestinal. CASO CLÍNICO: Se aborda el caso de una paciente de sexo femenino de 1 año 2 meses quien presentó obstrucción intestinal debido a la ingesta de esferas de hidrogel (poliacrilato de sodio). Dichas esferas, que son utilizadas como juguetes didácticos o sensoriales, aumentan de 200 a 400 veces su tamaño inicial mediante la absorción de agua. Se realizó radiografía abdominal en proyección decúbito supino, donde llamó la atención el hallazgo de defecto de llenado redondeado en asa de flanco derecho, ya que las esferas de hidrogel son radiolúcidas. El diagnóstico se estableció mediante ultrasonido abdominal, donde se reportó líquido libre peritoneal con datos de suboclusión por cuerpos extraños a nivel intestinal. Se indicó tratamiento conservador, encontrando persistencia de aumento de perímetro abdominal. Se realizó enterotomía y se encontraron las esferas impactadas a 30 centímetros de la válvula ileocecal. CONCLUSIONES: Las esferas de hidrogel son peligrosas para la población pediátrica. La evolución de la paciente fue favorable debido al conocimiento del objeto extraño ingerido. Sobresale la conducta expectante que se tuvo que desempeñar debido a que se desconocía el crecimiento de las esferas y en qué momento no podrían continuar su paso por el tracto gastrointestinal.

Contributions of telesimulation to the knowledge of mothers about foreign body airway obstruction.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the contributions of telesimulation to the knowledge of mothers faced with foreign body airway obstruction in children under 1 year of age and identify the related factors. METHODS: A quasi-experimental study of the pre- and post-test design carried out between April and September 2021 with 49 mothers from a city in São Paulo. It was organized into four stages: pre-test, telesimulation, immediate and late post-test (60 days later). All steps were carried out remotely via the free online platform Google Hangouts® and Google Forms®. Data analyzed by descriptive and analytical statistics. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the knowledge score between the assessments (p<0.001). Statistically significant relationships were identified between pre-test knowledge and choking experience (p=0.012), promotion of immediate knowledge and another child's choking (p=0.040) and schooling (p=0.006) and promotion of late knowledge with occupation (p=0.012) and choking of another child (p=0.011). CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant improvement in knowledge after telesimulation, especially among those who had never experienced a choking situation and had a higher level of education.

Design and Early Evaluation of a Device to Improve the Sharp Count Process in Operating Rooms.

NEED: Counting surgical sharps in surgeries mitigates the risk of retained surgical items in patients. Current procedures rely on manual counts throughout and at the end of each surgery. The manual count is lengthy, burdensome, and carries the risk of injuries. TECHNICAL SOLUTION: This paper presents the design and early evaluation of a technology aid to automatize the sharps' counting process; it is composed of a shell holding a set of optical sensors that count needles that pass through the shell's top slot. PROOF OF CONCEPT: The device was tested with needles originating from 20 surgeries. Users surveyed reported a decrease in counting time and perceived injury risk. The average count error was 4.4%, indicating the need to continue advancing the technology. NEXT STEPS: The counting technology needs to be refined to increase accuracy, and a user guide for the equipment must be prepared. Thereafter, a new set of trials must be performed. CONCLUSION: Our work provides a detailed requirements list for developing a technology aid to improve the needle count process and investigates one possible technological route to address this problem.