Spontaneous gallbladder perforation in a neonate.

We describe the case of a 700-g neonate who presented with abdominal discolouration, distension, and rapid clinical deterioration. At laparotomy, a perforation in the neck of the gallbladder was found, which was simply over-seen. Perforation of the gallbladder should be considered in the differential diagnosis in such neonates. The surgical management should be direct repair, without resorting to a cholecystectomy.