[Infusion and nutrition problems in pediatric surgery].

The considerable differences in the body composition of infants, children and adults is responsible for special problems of infusion therapy in various age groups. Because of the narrow range of tolerance in the neonatal period special knowledge and skill is required to manage postoperative fluid therapy. Subsequently the difficulties of feeding in pediatric surgery are discussed with special reference to gastroschisis, partial resection of the small intestine, short bowel syndrome and Hirschsprung's disease. Nowadays new balanced diets and progress in parenteral therapy have improved the outcome of this seriously endangered group of patients.