Diagnostic laparoscopy for neonatal perforated Meckel's diverticulum.

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Surgery
• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery

Background:

• Neonatal pneumoperitoneum is a critical condition often necessitating surgical intervention due to suspected bowel perforation.
• Diagnosing the exact cause can be challenging, as air dissection can occur in ventilated neonates without peritonitis, sometimes leading to exploratory laparotomy.

Observation:

• This report details the first case of neonatal pneumoperitoneum attributed to a perforated Meckel's diverticulum.
• Diagnostic laparoscopy proved instrumental in identifying the cause and facilitating minimally invasive surgical management.

Findings:

• A perforated Meckel's diverticulum was identified as the cause of pneumoperitoneum in this neonate.
• Minimally invasive surgery using a single-site umbilical port allowed for successful management and extraction of affected intestinal segments with favorable cosmetic outcomes.

Implications:

• This approach reduces the need for extensive exploratory surgery in neonates with suspected perforations of unknown origin.
• Shorter fasting periods associated with minimally invasive techniques can positively impact neurodevelopmental outcomes in neonates.