Surgical therapy and histological abnormalities in functional isolated small bowel obstruction and idiopathic gastrointestinal perforation in the very low birth weight infant.

We examined surgical treatment, outcome, and histological findings in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants with functional isolated small bowel obstruction (FISBO) and idiopathic gastrointestinal perforation (IGIP). The files of 18 neonates (average gestational age 27.5 weeks; average birth weight 880 g), surgically treated for IGIP ( n = 12) or FISBO ( n = 6), were retrospectively reviewed. In both groups segmental or diffuse dilatation of the small bowel was seen. All but two perforations were localized in the small bowel. In half of the patients a discontinuous absence of the internal layer of the muscularis propria or muscularis mucosae was found. Signs of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) were absent. Most of the patients were treated with an enterostomy (IGIP: n = 11; FISBO: n = 4). Overall survival in both groups was 83%. Follow-up after enterostomy closure (mean 23 months) shows normal gastrointestinal function without failure to thrive in 67% of the survivors. Muscular wall abnormalities and small bowel distension are found in both FISBO and IGIP. Although the underlying etiology remains unclear, segmental muscular wall absence may be a major predisposing factor in both conditions. Creation of a temporary enterostomy is a valid surgical option in VLBW infants with minimal risk for recurrent obstruction and/or perforation. Survival and long-term gastrointestinal function is excellent. IGIP should be distinguished from NEC.