Idiopathic Neonatal Colonic Perforation- A Case Report

Perforation of the transverse colon in neonate is a rare finding in clinical practice. We report a case of Idiopathic neonatal colonic perforation in a twenty-one days old, healthy, female neonate without any demonstrable cause. She presented with abdominal distention and constipation. Abdominal radiograph showed massive pneumoperitoneum. On exploration, transverse colonic perforation was found near splenic flexure area. The perforation was closed primarily. Other than inflammatory fibrin flakes the rest of the large intestine and small bowel appeared normal. Hirschsprung's diseases, necrotizing enterocolitis, small left colon syndrome, atresia, imperforate anus, cystic fibrosis are some causes of colonic perforation in neonates. However none of the clinical features or intra-operative finding of the above conditions could be found in our case. At follow-up, the baby showed normal weight gain without any symptoms.