Spontaneous gastric perforation is an important but rare cause of gastrointestinal perforation in neonates. Just over 200 cases have been reported in the literatures. In spite of recent surgical advances in its managements, mortality rate has
been
reported as high as 25-50%. Because of physiologic differences, immature immune mechanisms, variations in gastrointestinal flora and poor localization of perforation, a neonate with gastric perforation is at high risk. The pathogenesis is greatly
debated.
Five patients with spontaneous neonatal gastric perforation who were operated upon at the Department of Pediatric Surgery, Seoul National University Hospital from 1980 to 1993 were male and one female The first indication of perforation was l day
to 6
days of life. All of 5 perforations were located along the greater curvature of the stomach. The size of perforation of perforation ranged from 2 cm to 10 cm. Debridement and primary closure were performed in all patients. The operative mortality
was
40%(2 of 5). The cause of perforation was not identified in all cases. Prematurity and necrotizing enterocolitis, synchronous or metachronous, were thought to be crucial prognostic factors. Earlier recognition and surgical intervention are
necessary to
reduce morbidity and mortality.
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