Purpose: To determine the efficacy of routine exploration in peritoneal injuries occurring as a complication of neonatal umbilical vein cannulation. Methods: Twenty patients who had peritoneal breach during umbilical vein cannulation were included. They were divided randomly into two groups. Ten patients (Group A) underwent exploration and ten patients (Group B) were under observation following peritoneal suturing. The results were compared in terms of outcome. Results: There was no difference in the outcomes of the two groups. Conclusion: Serial observation after suturing of the peritoneal defect may be attempted as a method in dealing with peritoneal breach without any bowel protrusion.

Keywords: Umbilical Cannulation; Peritoneal Injuries; Umbilical Vein; Surgery; Suturing.