Surgical repair of massive hemorrhage secondary to button battery ingestion causing aortoesophageal fistula

Background: In pediatrics, foreign body ingestion poses unique challenges. Each case is unique given variability in timing, type, and size of object, compounded by underlying comorbidities and age. In the mid-1990s, mortality and morbidity associated with button battery (BB) ingestion (BBI) emerged corresponding to modification in battery fabrication towards higher voltage, large-diameter lithium cells. Aims: To describe the case and management of a BBI in a pediatric patient necessitating the use of cardiopulmonary bypass and deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA). Materials and Methods: A 17-month-old female presented with the sudden loss of consciousness at home. Chest X-ray revealed an esophageal foreign body suspicious for BBI. A massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding was temporized with packing. The patient was urgently taken to the operating room for sternotomy, establishment of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA), removal of BB, repair of the left common carotid artery, esophageal, and tracheal injuries. Discussion: Successful management of BBI requires coordinated care and a multidisciplinary approach. A high degree of clinical suspicion for BBI is imperative to facilitate early aggressive interventions. Lateral and anteroposterior chest films should be obtained in any suspected BBI. Conclusion: This case demonstrates the utility of CPB and DHCA where control of bleeding secondary to BBI is not otherwise possible.