Case report of successful conservative management of neonatal gastrointestinal perforation and intestinal stenosis.
Xiaoqing Li, Enfu Tao, Huafei Huang
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
Case in brief
A 6-day-old male infant, small-for-gestational-age, presented with vomiting, abdominal distension, and respiratory distress, leading to the diagnosis of neonatal gastrointestinal perforation (NGP) and suspected necrotizing enterocolitis. After parental refusal of surgery, conservative management was implemented, including peritoneal drainage and nutritional support. The infant survived a 134-day hospitalization, with follow-up indicating neurodevelopmental delays but adequate physical growth.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
This case illustrates that conservative management can be effective for neonatal gastrointestinal perforation in high-risk patients when surgical intervention is not an option.
Why it matters
It highlights the necessity of comprehensive multidisciplinary care and monitoring in managing complex neonatal conditions, as well as the potential for long-term neurodevelopmental challenges.