Archives de pédiatrie : organe officiel de la Sociéte française de pédiatrie
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Button batteries are easily swallowed by children and may produce severe digestive injuries through two different mechanisms: electrochemical burns when in contact with the digestive mucosa, release of caustic substances when fragmented. Esophageal lesions are especially dangerous, as they can lead to perforation, fistula or secondary stenosis. The risk of mercury intoxication is less worrying since the assimilated fraction of the metal is unlikely to produce clinical effect. ⋯ Any battery lodged in the esophagus must be urgently removed by endoscopy. Other locations do not need any removal attempt unless complications: nonetheless a follow-up is necessary to confirm the spontaneous elimination of the battery. Manufacturers, physicians and parents share responsibility for preventing such accidents.