Recurrent idiopathic perforations of the small intestine

Background/Aims: Idiopathic perforation of the small intestine is extremely rare. The definition depends on the absence of any detectable pathology that could be responsible for the perforation. This study was undertaken to outline the criteria for determination of the condition. Methods: Case report and review of the literature, Results: A 50-year-old male patient underwent surgery including laparostomy and planned reexplorations for multiple recurrent small intestinal perforations of unknown origin; the patient made an uneventful recovery. Extensive investigations were carried out to search for any pathology that could explain the occurrence of perforations, but yielded no results. Conclusions: Further studies will possibly give more information concerning idiopathic perforation of the small intestine, provided that judicious criteria for its determination are applied. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.