Button Battery Ingestions

Although ingestions of button batteries can have serious complications, the majority of these ingestions will be benign. Button batteries that lodge in the esophagus should be removed immediately by endoscopy. Other ingestions can be managed with observation at home unless symptoms develop. Weekly radiographic examinations should be done to follow the progression of the button battery in these patients. The expected threat of mercury toxicity has not materialized. Patients who ingest mercury-containing button batteries should undergo chelation therapy and monitoring of levels only if symptoms characteristic of mercury toxicity develop. Cathartics and water-soluble enemas, although not indicated for intact button batteries, may be useful in speeding transit of mercury if it is released into the bowel. Other metals present in button batteries appear to pose no health threat.