Neonatal gastric perforation (NGP) is a serious surgical emergency, causing pneumoperitoneum and peritonitis, most often occurring during the first week of life. It accounts for a rare proportion of neonatal digestive perforations, but remains associated with high mortality, particularly in resource-limited countries. We report the case of a 6-day-old newborn admitted for abdominal distension and respiratory distress, in whom surgical exploration revealed a large gastric perforation. Medical and surgical management resulted in a favourable outcome. Through this case, we discuss the diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic aspects in the light of recent international and African literature.
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