[Necrotizing enterocolitis of the newborn infant].

The experience at the Hospital for Pediatric Surgery in Dortmund with 47 cases of necrotizing enterocolitis in 16 years are reviewed. 43 patients had been transferred from pediatric hospitals for immediate operation. 7 newborns had developed gastric perforation, 25 previously intestinal perforation. 4 patients had undergone laparotomy for other indication before. The chance to survive the necrotizing process is smaller in case of inflammation of the small bowel than of the large bowel. The current knowledge about necrotizing enterocolitis is summarized, including modern aspects about the indication to operate.