Spontaneous sealing of a neonatal intestinal perforation by the omentum.
Several recent reports have suggested that, in select premature neonates, intestinal perforation may be managed by peritoneal drainage alone. Much like a surgical Graham patch, the omentum may seal an intestinal perforation allowing healing while maintaining bowel continuity. This photograph, illustrating a classic case of spontaneous sealing of such a perforation, demonstrates why surgery may be avoided in some cases.
Diesen
Diana L
DL
Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3815, Durham, NC 277710, USA. diese001@mc.duke.edu
Skinner
Micheal A
MA
D004322:Drainage; D004374:Ductus Arteriosus, Patent / Q000150:complications; D020345:Enterocolitis, Necrotizing / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D007081:Ileostomy; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007416:Intestinal Perforation / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D007579:Jejunal Diseases / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D007813:Laparotomy; D008297:Male; D009852:Omentum; D011027:Pneumoperitoneum / Q000209:etiology; D012075:Remission, Spontaneous; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000150:complications; D012422:Rupture, Spontaneous