Surgeons Extract 100 Magnets from New Zealand Teen’s Intestine

Doctors in New Zealand performed a complex surgery on a 13-year-old boy who ingested nearly 100 neodymium magnets purchased from the online marketplace, Temu. The boy experienced severe abdominal pain for four days before being admitted to Tauranga Hospital, where surgeons discovered the magnets had caused significant damage to his intestines.

Surgeons emphasized the alarming nature of this case, highlighting the challenges of enforcing the ban on such magnets for personal use. These powerful magnets, known for their strength and small size, have been prohibited for sale in New Zealand since 2014. Despite this regulation, online platforms continue to facilitate access to these dangerous items, often marketed as toys or fidget devices.

In their report published in the New Zealand Medical Journal, the surgical team detailed the case, noting the boy had disclosed swallowing approximately 80 to 100 magnets, each measuring 5x2mm. The magnets, made from the rare-earth element neodymium, are easily available online, making them particularly hazardous for children.

“When swallowed, these magnets can attach to each other through the bowel, leading to serious complications such as fistulas or perforations in the intestines,” explained Sunpreet Kaur, a paediatric gastroenterologist. Ingesting these magnets can be life-threatening, requiring surgery to address the damage, as highlighted by a blog post from the University of California Davis Health.

The incident raises important concerns regarding the safety of online marketplaces for children. The surgical team underscored the need for stricter regulations and parental oversight in the purchasing of potentially dangerous items. “This case serves as a critical reminder of the risks posed by online shopping to our younger population,” the doctors stated.

Experts have pointed out that these magnets are often brightly colored and designed to be visually appealing, increasing the likelihood of children swallowing them. Alex Sims, a professor at the University of Auckland, noted that the sale of such magnets is banned in both Australia and New Zealand for domestic use, although they remain permissible in educational settings.

“The enforcement of these regulations becomes complicated given that these products can be purchased from overseas websites, which are easily accessible to children and do not always require age verification,” Dr. Sims added. She cautioned that parents should supervise their children’s online purchases closely.

In response to the incident, Temu stated it has initiated an internal review. “We are sorry to learn about the reported incident and wish the boy a full and speedy recovery,” the company said, as reported by Radio New Zealand. “We take product safety very seriously and continuously monitor our platform to ensure compliance with safety regulations.”

As this case illustrates, the accessibility of hazardous items through online marketplaces poses significant risks, particularly for children. Continued advocacy for stricter enforcement of regulations and parental guidance in online shopping is essential to prevent similar incidents in the future.