At the Speransky Children’s Hospital in Moscow, surgeons treated a one-year-old patient who had swallowed hydrogel beads intended for indoor plants. The hospital’s press service confirmed that the beads were removed during an emergency procedure after doctors identified the foreign objects within the child’s intestines.
The infant was admitted with dehydration, vomiting, and weakness. Family reports indicated that the boy had swallowed several hydrogel balls the day before, with the intention of placing them in pots for houseplants. On examination, clinicians detected the presence of the beads inside the intestinal tract, prompting urgent intervention to prevent further complications.
Hydrogel spheres, typically about two centimeters in diameter, are marketed for decorative use in pots and as soil water reservoirs. When exposed to liquids, these beads can absorb fluids and expand rapidly. In medical cases, expansion can compress or block the intestinal lumen, leading to obstruction. The hospital’s medical team described how the beads swelled after ingestion, effectively closing the passage through the ileum and creating a dangerous blockage that required prompt surgical management.
The operation involved accessing the abdomen and removing the obstructing material through a small incision near the navel. The surgeons carefully retrieved the swollen beads and inspected the surrounding tissues for any signs of damage. Following the procedure, the child was monitored in the hospital for several days and subsequently discharged to continue recovery on an outpatient basis. The medical team emphasized the importance of early detection and timely care to minimize the risk of complications such as perforation or infection.
Instances involving hydrogel beads are not isolated. Earlier reports from Rostov-on-Don described two twin brothers who presented with similar concerns after ingesting magnetic beads. Medical professionals continue to warn families about the potential hazards of small, expandable objects and to advise close supervision of young children during play and household activities. For caregivers, awareness about the dangers of ingestible outdoor and indoor items can prevent emergencies and ensure children receive prompt treatment if accidental swallowing occurs. In all cases, clinicians stress seeking immediate medical evaluation when a child shows symptoms such as persistent vomiting, abdominal pain, or signs of dehydration after swallowing any small object.