Focal intestinal perforation in an extremely-low-birth-weight neonate
Journal
Formosan Journal of Surgery
Journal Volume
36
Journal Issue
2
Pages
88-91
Date Issued
2003
Author(s)
Abstract
The most common cause of intestinal perforation in the neonate is necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). It occurs mostly in the neonate who is premature and has a low birth weight. Focal intestinal perforation (FIP), which is also frequently seen in the premature or small neonate, is an emerging disease entity which is not associated with NEC. It lacks the classic features of NEC such as abdominal distention, pneumatosis intestinalis and gas in the portal vein. We report an extremely-low-birth-weight (ELBW) premature baby, 26 weeks gestation age, 587 gm, with abdominal distention and pneumoperitoneum, with FIP finally being diagnosed. Initial management included peritoneal drainage and followed by laparotomy after the condition stabilized. The postoperative course was uneventful. At the time of surgery the baby's weight was 489 gm. Reviewing the English medical references, this is the smallest surviving patient receiving such abdominal surgery. The key factors in a successful abdominal surgery for ELBW premature baby may include (1) improved premature baby team care (by neonatologist, pediatric surgeon and pediatric anesthesiologist); (2) better biochemical equipments for ELBW care; (3) more experience of pediatric surgeons; and (4) more sophisticated instruments for neonatal surgery.
SDGs
Other Subjects
abdominal drainage; abdominal surgery; anesthesist; blood analysis; body weight; case report; gestational age; human; intestine distension; intestine perforation; laparotomy; male; medical specialist; necrotizing enterocolitis; neonatology; newborn; newborn care; newborn disease; pediatric surgery; pneumatosis intestinalis; pneumoperitoneum; portal vein; postoperative period; prematurity; review; surgical instrument; survival; treatment outcome; very low birth weight
Publisher
Elsevier
Type
review