Button Battery Injuries in the Pediatric Aerodigestive Tract

Objectives:(1) Describe the clinical presentation, management, and complications associated with button battery impaction in the aerodigestive tract in children. (2) Evaluate the long-term morbidity associated with button battery impaction.Methods:This study is a retrospective medical record review involving 23 consecutive patients who presented to a tertiary care childrens hospital between January 1, 2000, and July 31, 2013, with button batteries impacted in the nasal cavity (n = 7), esophagus (n = 9), and stomach (n = 7). Battery type/size, duration of impaction, presenting symptoms, treatment, and outcomes were examined.Results:Average time of battery impaction was 40.6, 30.7, and 21.0 hours in the esophagus, nasal cavity, and stomach, respectively. 3V lithium batteries accounted for 84% of battery injuries and were responsible for all cases of esophageal impaction. Most common presenting symptoms were vomiting (30.4%), fever (26%), and cough (21%). Presenting signs and symptoms did not predict severit...