Spontaneous Neonatal Gastrointestinal Perforation : Surgical or Conservatisme Management

RESUMO

B a c k g r o u n d S p o n t a n e o u s n e o n a t a l gastrointestinal perforation occurs without any primary lesion of the gastrointestinal tract. It is a rare surgical emergency that may be caused by shunting of blood from renal; peripheral and mesenteric vascular bed to vital organs such as heart and brain during periods of perinatal stress.Aim: To report three neonates with spontaneous gastrointestinal perforation. Results: Between 2001 and 2005; we managed three cases of spontaneous gastrointestinal perforation in neonates at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital; Benin City. The perinatal stress factors were caesarian delivery; prematurity and fetal distress due to prolonged obstructed labour. Two had exploratory laparotomy and their perforations were closed in 2 layers while one was managed conservatively. They survived and were discharged after ten; thirty-six and eight days on admission and remained well during one year of follow up.Conclusion: Early diagnosis; adequate resuscitation and timed surgical intervention resulted to encouraging outcome: