'Tinkling' sound in Cork toddler's tummy leads to removal of five magnetic balls from intestine

A scan revealed that a 'metallic, spiral-shaped object' was causing a bowel obstruction

The boy underwent an emergency exploratory laparotomy procedure at CUH, during which five magnetic, metallic balls were surgically removed, along with a 4cm section of his small intestine. File Picture

A two-year-old boy had five magnetic balls surgically removed from his small intestine after doctors at Cork University Hospital heard a “tinkling” sound coming from his tummy.

The toddler had been brought to the emergency department suffering from abdominal pain, vomiting and dehydration. He had not had a bowel movement in three days and was not passing any wind.