Spontaneous pneumoperitoneum in neonates: a case series

Abstract

Background: Pneumoperitoneum is defined as the presence of free air in the peritoneal cavity. It is a surgical emergency that represents in 90% of the cases with a hollow viscus perforation and its feared consequences of sepsis and death. On the other hand, spontaneous pneumoperitoneum is a benign surgical entity occurring in newborns that requires no surgical intervention. Cases presentation: In this series, we report three cases of benign spontaneous pneumoperitoneum in neonates treated at Jordan University Hospital between 2004 and 2021. Two of them were treated by exploration laparotomy but no gross pathology could be identified; one case was successfully treated conservatively with observation alone. Conclusion: This case series recognizes the presence of such entity which can be treated conservatively, eliminating the unnecessary burden of morbidity and mortality of surgery in such age group.