Abstract

Meckel’s diverticulum (MD) perforation is extremely rare in preterm infants. The diagnosis is usually made during exploratory laparotomy. In this article, we present three premature neonates with early diagnosed MD perforation. Case one was operated in the emergency setting on his second day of life and he is in the second postoperative year without any gastrointestinal problem. Case two had no problems with gastrointestinal system during follow-up; however, he died at the sixth months of his life due to severe cardiac abnormalities with decompensation and respiratory distress related to Trisomy 13. The third case was a premature twin and due to bowel perforation on postnatal Day 3, an abdominal drain was placed and she underwent surgery on postnatal Day 5. In conclusion, MD perforation should be kept in newborns with pneumoperitoneum. The prognosis after surgery in MD perforation is usually favorable for cases diagnosed and treated early.

Citation: Çakmak MH, Cansaran S, Celayir A. Meckel’s diverticulum perforation in three preterm neonates: Are early diagnosis and surgical intervention life-saving? Turkish J Ped Surg 2025;39(2):91-95. Doi: 10.62114/JTAPS.2025.67.