Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026

Effect of Hyaluronic Acid 35 kDa on an In Vitro Model of Preterm Small Intestinal Injury and Healing Using Enteroid-Derived Monolayers
Published on: July 28, 2022
Treatment of intestinal perforation in extremely low-birthweight infants
Akihiro Kawakami1, Yoshitsugu Shirakawa, Akira Shirahata
1Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan. kawakamiakihiro@kantoh.rofuku.go.jp
Background:
The mortality of intestinal perforation in extremely low-birthweight infants (ELBWI) is high. It still remains to be determined whether peritoneal drainage is a definitive treatment instead of laparotomy. The authors used bedside peritoneal drainage (BSPD) as the diagnostic procedure, and exchange transfusion (ET) as the preparatory procedure for invasive stress of laparotomy. The treatment protocol is composed primarily of laparotomy combined with BSPD and ET.
Methods:
ELBWI who developed intestinal perforation during hospitalization between 1993 and 2000 were treated according to the aforementioned protocol. Their medical records were examined retrospectively.
Results:
Eight ELBWI were identified. The subjects' birthweights ranged from 553 to 892 g and the gestational age ranged from 23 to 26 weeks. The subjects consisted of five cases with idiopathic intestinal perforation, two cases with necrotizing enterocolitis, and one case with meconium plug syndrome. Laparotomy was performed in all cases, and BSPD was performed in seven cases. Intestinal perforation was definitively diagnosed by X-ray only in three cases, while by stool-like drainage in BSPD in the other five cases. Seven (87.5%) cases survived.
Conclusion:
In this limited experience, the treatment mainly composed of laparotomy combined with BSPD and ET appeared beneficial.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Clinical Manifestations:
Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction
The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus.
Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology
