ABSTRACT

Gastric perforation in newborns is a rare and lethal problem, which is usually seen in premature babies. Early diagnosis and surgical treatment prevent mortality and morbidity. In this study, we present a premature infant who developed abdominal distension and increasing respiratory distress in the 17th postnatal hour. Erect abdominal radiograph revealed pneumoperitoneum and intraabdonimal free air. A perforation area at the lesser curvature of the stomach with a diameter of 1 cm was detected during the emergency laparotomy and was primarily repaired with sutures. In this paper, we indicate the importance of early diagnosis and treatment by presenting a newborn with gastric perforation.