Ingestion of small flat disc batteries.

Management of ingestions of small flat disc batteries has been controversial. The Nassau County Medical Center's Long Island Regional Poison Control Center has had 30 calls concerning battery ingestions in the past 16 months. In 1976, the National Clearinghouse for Poison Control Centers reported 42 battery ingestions for the entire nation. Only one of our cases required surgery because the battery remained in the cecum for five days. The battery was removed intact. Management guidelines for ingestions of batteries containing alkali or toxic metals are suggested.