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Case report: delayed perforation after definitive treatment of focal intestinal perforation with a peritoneal drain

Brian G A Dalton1, Kenneth C Walters, Melvin S Dassinger

  • 1Spartanburg Regional Medical Center, 101 E. Wood St. Spartanburg, SC 29302, USA.

Case Reports in Surgery
|September 12, 2012
PubMed

Insights

This case report details a rare instance of delayed focal intestinal perforation (FIP) in an infant, occurring over a year after initial treatment with peritoneal drainage (PD). It highlights the possibility of recurrent FIP at the same site.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Neonatal Care
  • Gastrointestinal Surgery

Background:

  • Focal intestinal perforation (FIP) is a known condition in neonates.
  • Peritoneal drainage (PD) is a common treatment for FIP.
  • Delayed recurrence of FIP is not well-documented.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a unique case of delayed FIP recurrence in a premature infant.
  • To discuss the implications of FIP treatment with PD.
  • To highlight the possibility of late-onset FIP at the initial perforation site.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of a premature infant treated for FIP with PD.
  • Follow-up assessment of the patient 16 months post-initial treatment.
  • Surgical exploration revealing a second perforation at the same site without necrosis.

Main Results:

  • The patient experienced a second episode of peritonitis 16 months after initial FIP and PD.
  • Laparotomy confirmed a perforation at the original site, distinct from initial FIP findings.
  • The infant recovered well from both episodes without sequelae.

Conclusions:

  • This case represents the first reported instance of FIP recurrence over a year after initial treatment with PD.
  • FIP may recur at the same site, even after seemingly successful initial management.
  • Further investigation into the long-term implications of PD for FIP is warranted.

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