Spontaneous Ileal Perforation in a Case of Neutropenic Enterocolitis Managed Laparoscopically

Neutropenic enterocolitis (NE) or ‘typhlitis’ is a serious condition. It is commonly associated with malignancy, intensive chemotherapy and severe neutropenia. The decision for surgery remains a clinical dilemma. We present a case of NE with ileal perforation that underwent laparoscopic small bowel resection and ileostomy. An 11 years old boy diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, was receiving induction chemotherapy. He developed neutropenic fever which was treated with antibiotics. He subsequently experienced lower abdominal pain predominately at the right iliac fossa radiating to the suprapubic region. Abdomen examination revealed tenderness over the right iliac fossa with localised guarding. Chest X-ray erect showed no air under diaphragm. Ultrasound abdomen showed presence of minimal free fluid in the abdomen. A computed tomography abdomen was performed, which revealed evidence of pneumoperitoneum predominantly at the dependent areas of the abdomen. There was a focal defect seen at the anterior wall of distal ileum with connection with a fluid locule, suspicious of ileal perforation. The patient subsequently underwent an urgent laparoscopic small bowel resection and double barrel ileostomy. Intraoperatively, there was a 1 x 1 cm perforation at the distal ileum about 3 cm from ileocaecal junction with localised contamination. Postoperatively, the patient gradually recovered and was discharged. NE is a potentially life-threatening condition associated with high mortality. Contrary to belief, surgery in neutropenic patients is not deleterious, especially in complicated NE. Prompt and accurate decision-making holds an important role in improving patient outcome