# Esophageal Button Battery Retrieval: Time-In May Not Be Everything

## TL;DR

This paper discusses a case where a button battery was safely removed after a delay, challenging the usual urgent retrieval approach.

## Contribution

The paper presents an unusual case supporting the idea that urgent button battery removal may not always be necessary.

## Key findings

- A delayed endoscopic removal of a button battery was performed without complications.
- The case highlights the need for individualized decisions in button battery ingestion management.
- There is a lack of literature to guide current management practices.

## Abstract

The management of ingested foreign bodies is a challenging task because each case is unique with multiple varying factors including a patient’s age, anatomical considerations, clinical presentation, and the type and location of the foreign body ingested. Additionally, concern over complications associated with button battery ingestion typically drives management decisions. The common practice is the urgent retrieval of the foreign body within two to six hours of presentation. An unusual case is presented here that demonstrated significantly delayed endoscopic removal of an ingested button battery without complication, avoiding the many risks associated with any emergent endoscopic procedure. However, this practice is a case-by-case decision because there is a lack of literature to guide the current management.