[Intestinal perforations in the newborn infant].

Between 1976 and March 1985 16 neonates with gastrointestinal perforations were treated. The most common site of perforation was the ileo-coecal region, the most frequent causes of perforation were due to intestinal obstruction, necrotising enterocolitis and so-called spontaneous perforations (ischemic perforations). The surgical procedure depended on the site and cause of the perforation, taking the general condition into account. 7 out of the 16 newborns (44%) died due to sepsis and septic complications.