In Rostov-on-Don, a pair of two-year-old twins faced a dangerous incident after they swallowed a total of 67 magnetic balls from a children’s construction set. The event prompted a swift medical response, with both boys being transported to hospital under the supervision of regional health officials. This information comes from the press service of the regional Ministry of Health, which monitored the case closely as updates rolled in.
One of the toddlers was initially moved from an infectious diseases hospital to the Rostov-on-Don city clinical hospital when he showed signs that suggested peritonitis. During the initial examination, doctors detected a concerning presence of 29 small magnets within the abdominal cavity, indicating potential risk to the intestinal tract and overall health. The finding required immediate attention to prevent further complications.
Hours later, the parents brought the second twin to the same hospital, reporting that he had ingested 38 of the same magnetic balls. The ingestion of multiple magnets posed a grave threat because magnetic foreign bodies can attract through the intestines, leading to necrosis, perforation, and severe infection if not addressed promptly. The medical team recognized the urgency of the situation and prepared for potential surgical intervention.
Both children were quickly placed under careful observation and then taken to the operating room as needed. Surgeons performed procedures to locate and safely remove the magnets while assessing for any damage to the intestinal walls. Thanks to rapid diagnosis and decisive surgical care, the boys’ condition improved after the procedures, and their recovery began under close medical supervision. Doctors noted that the risk associated with magnet ingestion is best mitigated through timely intervention and coordinated care across pediatric surgery and emergency medicine teams.
The incident adds to a growing public health concern about magnetic toy sets and the potential harm they can cause young children. In recent months, medical teams in nearby regions have documented similar cases, underscoring the importance of parental vigilance and immediate medical evaluation when a child swallows foreign objects. Local health authorities emphasize safe toy choices, age-appropriate play, and clear guidance for caregivers on what to do if a child swallows magnets or other dangerous items. Such guidance is intended to reduce the need for invasive procedures and to protect the health of children who are naturally curious and prone to exploring objects by mouth.
Earlier, medical professionals in the Volgograd region managed another case involving a child who swallowed a battery, illustrating a pattern of hazardous ingestions that require urgent medical attention. While the Volgograd case serves as a reminder of potential dangers, the Rostov-on-Don situation demonstrates how rapid hospital transfer, careful diagnostics, and surgical readiness can lead to favorable outcomes for young patients facing similar emergencies. Investors in child safety, healthcare providers, and families alike can draw lessons from these episodes about prompt action and the importance of avoiding small parts that are within a child’s reach.