[Spontaneous perforation of the stomach in neonates]

The authors report on five neonates with perforation of the stomach manifested during the first two weeks of life. Four of the neonates had low birth weights. Asphyxia was proved in three neonates, in two histological examination revealed a congenital defect of the musculature of the gastric wall, in three a nasogastric tube was used. Causes which lead to gastric perforation in neonates are not uniform. Only by early diagnosis and surgical treatment the mortality can be reduced.