Magnetic-assisted detection and extraction of dispersed metallic foreign bodies in the abdominal cavity: A case report

BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal foreign bodies represent a significant clinical challenge in emergency and surgical settings. While accidental ingestion predominates in healthy adults, intentional ingestion is frequently observed in pediatric, psychiatric, and incarcerated populations. Metallic sewing needles, characterized by their sharp morphology and high mobility, pose particular risks of visceral injury and complications due to their penetrative potential. Although preoperative imaging facilitates initial localization, subsequent migration of multiple needles complicates therapeutic interventions, increasing procedural complexity and patient risk. CASE SUMMARY We present a novel application of magnetic-assisted localization in managing a complex case of intentional ingestion of 30 metallic sewing needles in a psychiatric patient. The widespread distribution of needles throughout the gastrointestinal tract necessitated an innovative surgical approach. Intraoperative implementation of cylindrical magnetic localization technology enabled precise identification and successful extraction of all foreign bodies while minimizing tissue trauma. CONCLUSION Magnetic-assisted localization represents an effective and safe technique to manage multiple magnetic gastrointestinal foreign bodies. This approach offers significant advantages in complex cases, particularly for needle-like metallic objects, and warrants consideration as a valuable tool in gastrointestinal surgery.