A Case of Unwitnessed Ingestion: Highlighting the Diagnostic Challenge in High-Risk Patients

In the paediatric emergency medicine setting, the ingestion of foreign bodies is an important topic due to its ability to rapidly progress to a life-threatening emergency and the often difficult history-taking of the paediatric population. It is also a relatively common presentation, largely managed conservatively; however, it can also necessitate immediate invasive intervention. In this case, we explore the management of a three-year-old boy who presented with black stool but otherwise a normal assessment, who was subsequently found to have ingested a 20 mm button battery requiring emergency endoscopic removal. The main lesson from this case is to have a high index of suspicion for ingested foreign bodies in children with communication difficulties and a history of non-food item ingestion; this applies to both clinicians and parents.