Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026

Diagnosis of Hirschsprung's Disease by Immunostaining Rectal Suction Biopsies for Calretinin, S100 Protein and Protein Gene Product 9.5
Published on: April 26, 2019
[Pseudo-"isolated" intestinal perforation in a very low birth weight infant: exceptional presentation of
S Courvoisier1, C Piolat, C Durand
1Service de Réanimation Néonatale, Centre Hospitalier et Universitaire de Grenoble, BP 217, 38043 Grenoble cedex 09, France. courvoisier@yahoo.com <courvoisier@yahoo.com>
Abstract:
Intestinal perforations in preterm newborn are characterized with high morbidity and mortality rates. They often are associated with necrotizing enterocolitis and seldom correspond to idiopathic spontaneous intestinal perforation. Perforations upstream of an intestinal organic obstruction (atresia), or of a functionnal obstruction (meconium-ileus, Hirschsprung disease) have been considered to be rare in preterm newborns. We report a case of caecal perforation with a pneumoperitoneum which occurred at 5 days of life, in a 28-week gestational age infant, that was treated by cecostomy. There were no signs of necrotizing enterocolitis. At 43 days of life, the preoperative contrast enema study revealed a left colon transition zone, suggesting a Hirschsprung disease, which was confirmed by rectal biopsies. Transanal pull-through was performed. There were no postoperative complication. This case demonstrates that an isolated intestinal perforation in very preterm newborn can reveal a Hirschsprung disease, especially if it occurs in the caecum.
Related Concept Videos
Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction
The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus.
Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Clinical Manifestations:
Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
Intestinal Obstruction I: Introduction
Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology
Diverticular Disease of the Colon
