Idiopathic Neonatal Pneumoperitoneum

Sahana Devadas, Harshitha Mahadeva Swamy

Abstract

Pneumoperitoneum presents in a neonate as an emergency, warranting immediate surgical intervention. Neonatal pneumoperitoneum is usually secondary to intestinal perforation. There are several causes for this condition, with necrotizing enterocolitis being the most common. In neonates, this condition may be identified as spontaneous, nonsurgical, or idiopathic pneumoperitoneum. Sensitizing neonatologists regarding this condition is much needed.