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Spontaneous sealing of a neonatal intestinal perforation by the omentum

Diana L Diesen1, Micheal A Skinner

  • 1Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3815, Durham, NC 277710, USA. diese001@mc.duke.edu

Journal of Pediatric Surgery
|December 2, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Peritoneal drainage alone may manage intestinal perforation in some premature infants. The omentum can seal the perforation, allowing healing and avoiding surgery.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal surgery
  • Gastrointestinal surgery

Background:

  • Intestinal perforation is a serious complication in premature neonates.
  • Current management often involves surgical intervention.

Observation:

  • Recent reports suggest peritoneal drainage as a sole management strategy for select cases.
  • The omentum's role in sealing perforations is analogous to a surgical Graham patch.

Findings:

  • Spontaneous sealing of intestinal perforations by the omentum can occur.
  • This natural healing process allows for bowel continuity to be maintained.

Implications:

  • Peritoneal drainage alone may be a viable alternative to surgery in specific neonatal intestinal perforation cases.
  • This approach can potentially reduce surgical morbidity in premature infants.

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