The surgical management of neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis.

Twelve infants with necrotizing enterocolitis were treated surgically in the 2 year period from 1973 to 1974. Resection of gangrenous intestine and proximal enterostomy was preferred in 11 patients. There were four deaths: two were grossly premature infants, one died from electrolyte disturbances related to the proximal enterostomy, and one was an apparent cot death. Intravenous nutrition was used routinely in all cases in the postoperative period. The problems of recommencement of enteral feeding and ileostomy dysfunction are discussed briefly.