Surgical management of pediatric necrotizing enterocolitis.

Necrotizing enterocolitis is one of the most common gastrointestinal emergencies observed in neonatal intensive care units. Despite extensive research efforts, the etiology and pathogenesis of necrotizing enterocolitis remain unclear. Investigators have attempted to identify various laboratory and clinical factors that would serve as criteria for surgical intervention. Unfortunately, the most sensitive and specific tests detect only advanced disease and perforation. The mainstay of surgical treatment is resection with enterostomy, although resection and primary anastomosis is useful in selected cases. In addition, some neonates may benefit from peritoneal drainage, second look procedures, or proximal diversion.