Successful Endoscopic Extraction of a Retained Esophageal Button Battery in a Child with Esophageal Stenosis after Six Months of Retention

Background: Button battery ingestion is a medical emergency, often requiring urgent removal to prevent severe complications such as mucosal burns, perforation, and esophageal stenosis. Delayed diagnosis, especially in cases of unwitnessed ingestion, can lead to prolonged retention and increased morbidity. Case Presentation: We report the case of a 4-year-old child who remained asymptomatic for six months after accidentally ingesting a button battery. The child later developed progressive dysphagia and weight loss, leading to radiographic confirmation of a retained corroded button battery lodged in the cervical esophagus with significant stenosis. Despite the long retention time, the battery was successfully extracted via rigid esophagoscopy. Conclusion: This case highlights the challenges of delayed button battery ingestion, the critical importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion in pediatric dysphagia, and the success of endoscopic retrieval even in cases of severe esophageal stenosis. Increased public awareness, improved battery safety mechanisms, and prompt clinical evaluation are key to reducing morbidity and mortality from button battery ingestion.