Spontaneous Gallbladder Perforation in a Preterm Neonate

Spontaneous gallbladder perforation among the pediatric population is a rare occurrence. To date only 8 cases have been described in the English literature in neonates and infants [1-8]. Presenting signs and symptoms vary, as do treatment methodologies. Patients have presented with bilious drainage from peritoneal catheters [1] abdominal distention with discoloration [2] discolored communicating hydroceles [3, 4] gastric outlet obstruction [5] and acute abdomen [6]. We present a premature neonate with a history of spontaneous intestinal perforation that presented with pneumoperitoneum. At laparotomy he was found to have a perforation of the gallbladder fundus which was successfully treated with tube cholecystostomy.