[Severe secondary peritonitis following upper stomach perforation in a full-term mature newborn infant]

A perforation of the stomach is relatively seldom during the newborn period and the first year of life. A wide spectrum of causes has to be considered. The prognosis is determined by prematurity, basic illnesses and combined injuries and essentially by the time of an operation. We report on a mature newborn. At the fourth day a stomach perforation was closed by an operation. A serious diffuse peritonitis and a partial suture insufficiency complicated the postoperative course and necessitated a four-weekly respirator therapy, complete parenteral nutrition for 30 days as well as chemotherapy for several weeks. Altogether a programmed peritoneal lavage has been carried out for 10 times. After 62 days the child could be discharged home in a good condition.