Neonatal Sigmoid Colon Perforation: A Rare Occurrence in Low Anorectal Malformation and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Gastrointestinal perforation in neonates with anorectal malformation (ARM) is extremely uncommon. Delayed patient presentation is an important causative factor. A 2.5-kg neonate presented 72 hours after birth with abdominal distention and absent anal opening with meconium pearls. An abdominal X-ray revealed the presence of free gas. After adequate resuscitation patient underwent surgery. Closure of the sigmoid colon perforation with a proximal diverting loop colostomy with anoplasty was done. The literature reveals only two cases of sigmoid colon perforation with low ARM. Ours is the third case, in whom repair of the perforation and correction of the ARM was managed successfully at the same time.

Keywords

• anorectal malformations
• perforative peritonitis
• pneumoperitoneum
• sigmoid colon