Barium enema examination in neonates with suspected necrotising enterocolitis.

Sixteen neonates with suspected necrotising enterocolitis (N.E.C.) underwent a contrast enema examination as part of their initial assessment. It confirmed the presence of N.E.C. in 12 patients, and showed more extensive disease than suggested by plain x-ray in 4 patients. This has resulted in an alteration of their management. Two neonates showed colonic perforation, the contrast confirmed the presence of an established perforation with absence of free intraperitoneal gas in one and initiated a perforation in the other. Both underwent immediate laparotomy and colostomy. Restorative surgery was performed a month later with no subsequent intestinal problems. The use of a contrast enema examination in neonates with suspected N.E.C. has generally been discouraged (1). The role of this examination in the acute phase of N.E.C. is discussed.