Resection and primary anastomosis is a valid surgical option for infants with necrotizing enterocolitis who weigh less than 1000 g

Impact of Presence, Level, and Closure of a Stoma on Growth in Young Children: A Retrospective Cohort Study

INTRODUCTION

 A stoma will cause nutrients loss which could result in impaired growth. Impaired growth can negatively impact long-term development. This study aims to evaluate: (1) the effect of stomas on growth comparing small bowel stoma versus colostomy and (2) if early closure (within 6 weeks), proximal small bowel stoma (within 50 cm of Treitz), major small bowel resection (≥ 30 cm), or adequate sodium supplementation (urinary level ≤ 30 mmol/L) influences growth.

METHODS

 Young children (≤ 3 years) treated with stomas between 1998 and 2018 were retrospectively identified. Growth was measured with weight-for-age Z-scores. Malnourishment was defined using the World Health Organization's definition. Comparison between changes in Z-scores at creation, closure, and a year following closure was done by Friedman's test with post hoc Wilcoxon's signed rank test or Wilcoxon's rank-sum test when necessary.

RESULTS

 In the presence of a stoma in 172 children, 61% showed growth decline. Severe malnourishment was seen at the time of stoma closure in 51% of the patients treated by small bowel stoma and 16% of those treated by colostomy. Within a year following stoma closure, 67% showed a positive growth trend. Having a proximal small bowel stoma and undergoing major small bowel resection led to significantly lower Z-scores at closure. Adequate sodium supplementation and early closure did not lead to significant changes in Z-scores.

CONCLUSION

 Stomas have a negative impact on growth in the majority of children. This impact might be decreased by preventing small bowel stomas when possible, specifically proximal stomas, and limiting small bowel resection. Since stoma closure is essential in reversing the negative effect on growth, we opt that early closure might result in an early shift to catch-up growth.

Evaluation of the management of intestinal perforation in very low birth infants, a 10-year review

AIM

The aim of this study was to assess outcomes of peritoneal drainage and laparotomy in the management of intestinal perforation secondary to necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and spontaneous intestinal perforation.

METHODS

A retrospective review of all preterm infants (birthweight ≤1500 g) who underwent surgical intervention (peritoneal drainage and/or laparotomy) for intestinal perforation between March 2010 and March 2020.

RESULTS

A total of 43 infants who underwent surgical intervention for intestinal perforation were included [19 (44%) with NEC and 24 (56%) with spontaneous intestinal perforation]. Peritoneal drainage was more commonly placed as the initial surgical procedure for management of spontaneous intestinal perforation compared with surgical NEC [23 (96%) vs. 11 (58%), p = 0.003]. Mortality was greater for infants who were initially managed with peritoneal drainage [11 (32%)] compared with those who underwent primary laparotomy [2 (22%), p = 0.5].

CONCLUSION

Initial surgical management of intestinal perforation is more often according to underlying pathology. Our data support primary laparotomy for infants with perforated NEC.

Primary Anastomosis Versus Stoma for Surgical Necrotizing Enterocolitis in US Children's Hospitals

INTRODUCTION

Multiple studies have documented the safety of intestinal anastomosis after resection for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). We sought to evaluate a large population of infants with surgical NEC and assess outcomes after primary anastomosis versus enterostomy.

METHODS

The Pediatric Health Information System database was used to identify infants with Bell Stage 3 NEC who underwent an intestinal resection for acute disease between 2016 and 2021. Demographics and preoperative physiology were assessed, and nutritional, infectious, and surgical outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

Two hundred twenty-two infants at 38 children's hospitals were included. Thirty-five (15.8%) were managed with a primary anastomosis. Among infants who underwent a resection within 10 d of their first operative intervention and survived for at least 3 d, a primary anastomosis was used in 26 (13.7%). These patients were older but had similar weight and physiological status at the time of resection as those managed with an enterostomy. The incidence of wound and infectious complications, duration of parenteral nutrition and length of stay were similar after anastomosis or enterostomy.

CONCLUSIONS

In a large, geographically heterogenous population of infants with NEC, only 15.8% were managed with a primary anastomosis after intestinal resection. Survivors who underwent resection within 10 d were demographically and physiologically comparable to those who underwent enterostomy and had similar surgical outcomes. While there are clearly indications for enterostomy in some infants with NEC, these data confirm the conclusions of smaller, single-center studies that a primary anastomosis should be considered more frequently.

Major stoma related morbidity in young children following stoma formation and closure: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Little is known about stoma related morbidity in young children. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess major morbidity after stoma formation and stoma closure and its associated risk factors.

METHODS

All consecutive young children (age ≤ three years) who received a stoma between 1998 and 2018 at our tertiary referral center were retrospectively included. The incidence of major stoma related morbidity (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥III) was the primary outcome. This was separately analysed for stoma formation alone, stoma closure alone and all stoma interventions combined. Non-stoma related morbidity was excluded. Risk factors for major morbidity were identified using multivariable logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

In total 336 young children were included with a median follow-up of 6 (IQR:2-11) years. Of these young children, 5% (n = 17/336) received a jejunostomy, 57% (n = 192/336) an ileostomy, and 38% (n = 127/336) a colostomy. Following stoma formation, 27% (n = 92/336) of the young children experienced major stoma related morbidity, mainly consisting of high output stoma, prolapse and stoma stenosis. The major morbidity rate was 23% (n = 66/292) following stoma closure, most commonly comprising anastomotic leakage/stenosis, incisional hernia and adhesive obstructions. For combined stoma interventions, major stoma related morbidity was 39% (n = 130/336). Ileostomy was independently associated with a higher risk of developing major morbidity following stoma formation (OR:2.5; 95%-CI:1.3-4.7) as well as following closure (OR:2.7; 95%-CI:1.3-5.8).

CONCLUSIONS

Major stoma related morbidity is a frequent and severe clinical problem in young children, both after stoma formation and closure. The risk of morbidity should be considered when deliberating a stoma.

Safety and feasibility of primary radical surgery for meconium peritonitis considering patients' general condition and perioperative findings

We reviewed the outcomes of meconium peritonitis and evaluated the safety and feasibility of primary radical surgery for meconium peritonitis. A total of 21 cases of meconium peritonitis between 2006 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were classified into two groups based on the type of surgery: group I (primary radical surgery, n = 16) and group II (multistage surgery; drainage only or ileostomy, followed by elective surgery, n = 5). Patient backgrounds and surgical outcomes were compared between the two groups. The term of prenatal diagnosis, preoperative white blood cell count, and preoperative catecholamine use were not significantly different between the two groups. Group I included more mature neonates than group II (gestational age at birth, 35w1d vs 30w1d, p = 0.02; birth weight, 2.5 kg vs 1.1 kg, p < 0.01). Preoperative C-reactive protein was significantly lower in group I (0.37 mg/dL vs 2.8 mg/dL, p < 0.05). Operation time, blood loss, time to enteral feeding, and complication rates were not significantly different between the two groups. The surgical outcomes of primary radical surgery were comparable to those of multistage surgery, although the patients' backgrounds were different. Our strategy of selecting one-stage or multiple-stage surgery for treatment of meconium peritonitis, depending on the patient's general condition and degree of intestinal ischemia, was reasonable.

Do more mature preterm babies with surgical necrotizing enterocolitis predominantly develop the colonic disease?

Background

The primary aim was to scrutinize our hypothesis: “Do more mature preterm (MMP) babies with surgical necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) predominantly develop the colonic disease and are different in their response and behaviour in comparison to exceedingly preterm (EP) babies?” Secondary outcomes were to define time taken in developing NEC, time from diagnosis to laparotomy, requirement of parenteral nutrition (PN), and ventilatory support.

Methods

We defined MMP babies as ≥30 weeks of gestation and EP babies as ≤29 weeks+6 days of gestation. Inclusion criteria were all babies <37 weeks with NEC requiring surgery (called surgical NEC group). Data were collected retrospectively and analyzed using QuickCalcs.

Results

Of the total, 41% (97/234) of babies underwent laparotomy between 2010 and 2019. Totally, 81% were EP and 19% were MMP babies. Pure colonic involvement was seen in 9% of EP babies in comparison to 56% in the MMP babies (p=0.0001). Involvement of only the small bowel was seen in two-thirds of EP babies in comparison to only one-third in MMP babies (p=0.01). EP cohort required PN for 82 days (median) in comparison to 17 days (median) in the MMP cohort (p=0.001). Ventilation requirement in the EP group versus the MMP group was 24 vs 9 days (median), respectively (p=0.0006).

Conclusions

MMP babies predominantly developed colonic disease, whereas EP babies predominantly developed small bowel disease. EP babies required a longer duration of PN and ventilation support. This study opens a new area of research to differentiate pathogenesis and maturation patterns of the small and large bowels in babies with NEC.

Damage control surgery in neonates: Lessons learned from the battlefield

INTRODUCTION

Mortality for neonates requiring surgery for serious pathology such as NEC, remains high. Damage control surgery (DCS) has evolved as an operative strategy in battlefield trauma that sacrifices the completeness of the initial surgery to address the deadly triad of acidosis, hypothermia and coagulopathy. This approach is now used routinely in sick adults with nontrauma surgical emergencies. Here we describe our experience of using DCS in neonates.

METHOD

Neonates undergoing DCS at our hospital from 1/8/2010 to 30/11/17 had data collected prospectively.

RESULTS

27 neonates (median age 21 days; gestation 29 weeks; weight 1200 g; M:F 18:9) underwent DCS. Diagnosis (NEC 23, volvulus 2, meconium peritonitis 1, spontaneous perforation 1). Preoperative physiology: median temperature 35.5 °C, lactate 3.7, Activated prothrombin time 49; on a median of 1 inotrope (range 0 to 4); 19 had surgery on the intensive care unit. Surgery involved resection of dead bowel with the ends ligated and the abdomen left open. Operation took 38 min (26-80 min) and crew-resource management techniques were used to optimize efficiency. Second look occurred at 48 h (24-108 h) when the physiology had normalized. There were a total of 32 anastomoses in 18 patients with one leak; 3 patients had stomas for distal rectal disease. Overall mortality was 15% (4/27) or 18% in the NEC group (4/23).

CONCLUSION

Though techniques such as "clip and drop" exist, they have not been routinely incorporated into an operative strategy for sick neonates based on physiological derangement. The two benefits from our DCS approach were a low mortality and an avoidance of stomas. This approach deserves more investigation to see whether it is as effective in babies and children with nontrauma associated abdominal catastrophes as it is in adults.

TYPE OF STUDY

Case controlled study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Comparison of Acute Abdominal Surgical Outcomes of Extremely-Low-Birth-Weight Neonates according to Differential Diagnosis

BACKGROUND

Improvements in perinatal intensive care have improved survival of extremely-low-birth-weight (ELBW) neonates, although the risk of acute abdomen has increased. The differential diagnosis resulting in abdominal surgery can be categorized into necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), spontaneous intestinal perforation (SIP), meconium-related ileus (MRI), and meconium non-related ileus (MNRI). The purpose of this study was to review our experience with abdominal surgery for ELBW neonates, and to evaluate characteristics and prognosis according to the differential diagnosis.

METHODS

Medical records of ELBW neonates treated between 2003 and 2015 were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

Of 805 ELBW neonates, 65 (8.1%) received abdominal surgery. The numbers of cases by disease category were 29 for NEC, 18 for SIP, 13 for MRI, and 5 for MNRI. Ostoma formation was performed in 61 (93.8%) patients; primary anastomosis without ostoma was performed in 4 (6.2%). All patients without ostoma formation experienced re-perforation of the anastomosis site. Seven patients had 30-day postoperative mortality (6 had NEC). Long-term survival of the surgical and non-surgical groups was not statistically different. NEC was a poor prognostic factor for survival outcome (P = 0.033).

CONCLUSION

Abdominal surgery for ELBW neonates is feasible. Ostoma formation can lead to reduced complications compared to primary anastomosis.

Survival rates for surgically treated necrotising enterocolitis have improved over the last four decades

Aim

Improved survival rates for premature infants have also increased the population at risk of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC). This study evaluated the outcomes of surgically treated NEC and identified risk factors for mortality, intestinal failure (IF) and IF associated liver disease (IFALD).

Methods

This was a retrospective observational study of 131 infants with surgically treated NEC from 1976 to 2016 in a Swedish tertiary referral centre: 20 in 1976–1996, 33 in 1997–2006 and 78 in 2007–2016. Data were extracted from medical records, and the Cox regression model was used to identify risk factors.

Results

When the first and last periods were compared, they showed decreases in both gestational age, from 30 to 26 weeks, and mortality rates, from 45% to 29%. IF was found in 67 patients (56%), IFALD in 41 patients (34%) and short bowel syndrome (SBS) in 13 (19%). The incidence of IF was high, even in infants without SBS. Low gestational age was an independent risk factor for mortality. No risk factors were identified for IF or IFALD.

Conclusion

Survival rates for NEC improved from 1976–2016, despite a decrease in gestational age. Clinicians should be particularly aware of the risk of infants without SBS developing IF.

Gastrointestinal sequelae after surgery for necrotising enterocolitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To document what types of gastrointestinal sequelae were described after surgery for necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) and to analyse their frequency.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

DATA SOURCES

Medline, EMBASE and the Cochrane library (CENTRAL) from 1990 to October 2016.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES

We included studies, which provided original data on the occurrence of gastrointestinal sequelae in patients surviving surgery for NEC. Meta-analysis and metaregression to assess heterogeneity were performed for studies including 10 or more patients with gastrointestinal strictures, recurrence of NEC, intestinal failure (IF) and adhesion ileus.

RESULTS

Altogether 58 studies, including 4260 patients, met the inclusion criteria. Strictures were reported to occur in 24% (95% CI 17% to 31%) of surviving patients, recurrence of NEC in 8% (95% CI 3% to 15%), IF in 13% (95% CI 7% to 19%) and adhesion ileus in 6% (95% CI 4% to 9%). Strictures were more common following enterostomy (30%; 95% CI 23% to 37%) than after primary anastomosis (8%; 95% CI 0% to 23%) and occurred more often after enterostomy without bowel resection than with bowel resection. We found considerable heterogeneity in the weighted average frequency of all sequelae (I² range: 38%-90%). Intestinal outcomes were poorly defined, there were important differences in study populations and designs, and the reported findings bear a substantial risk of bias.

CONCLUSIONS

Gastrointestinal sequelae in neonates surviving surgery for NEC are frequent. Long-term follow-up assessing defined gastrointestinal outcomes is warranted.

Does Surgical Management Alter Outcome in Necrotizing Enterocolitis?

Necrotizing enterocolitis occurs in 14% of infants less than 1000 g. Preoperative management varies widely, and the only absolute indication for surgery is pneumoperitoneum. Multiple biomarkers and scoring systems are under investigation, but clinical practice is still largely driven by surgeon judgment. Outcomes in panintestinal disease are poor, and multiple creative approaches are used to preserve bowel length. Overall, recovery is complicated in the short and long term. Major sequelae are stricture, short gut syndrome, and neurodevelopmental impairment. Resolving controversies in surgical necrotizing enterocolitis care requires multicenter collaboration for centralized data and tissue repositories, benchmarking, and carrying out prospective randomized controlled trials.

New Nutritional and Therapeutical Strategies of NEC

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is an acquired severe disease of the digestive system affecting mostly premature babies, possibly fatal and frequently associated to systemic complications. Because of the severity of this condition and the possible long-term consequences on the child's development, many studies have aimed at preventing the occurrence of the primary events at the level of the bowel wall (ischemia and necrosis followed by sepsis) by modifying or manipulating the diet (breast milk versus formula) and/or the feeding pattern (time for initiation after birth, continuous versus bolus feeding, modulation of intake according clinical events). Feeding have been investigated so far in order to prevent NEC. However, currently well-established and shared clinical nutritional practices are not available in preventing NEC. Nutritional and surgical treatments of NEC are instead well defined. In selected cases surgery is a therapeutic option of NEC, requiring sometimes partial intestinal resection responsible for short bowel syndrome. In this paper we will investigate the available options for treating NEC according to the Walsh and Kliegman classification, focusing on feeding practices in managing short bowel syndrome that can complicate NEC. We will also analyze the proposed ways of preventing NEC.

Complications of newborn enterostomies

AIM

To evaluate the occurrence and severity of enterostomy complications in newborns suffering from different intestinal disorders.

METHODS

A 10-year retrospective cohort study (2008-2017) investigated newborns that underwent enterostomy formation and reversal for different intestinal disorders. Only infants less than 28 d old at the time of enterostomy creation were included in the study (corrected age was applied in the cases of preterm neonates). The patients were divided into two groups according to their underlying diseases. Group 1 included infants suffering from necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), whereas Group 2 included newborns diagnosed with intestinal disorders other than NEC, such as meconium obstruction, anorectal malformation, focal intestinal perforation, ileus, intestinal atresia and volvulus. The primary outcome measure was enterostomy-related morbidity. The data were analyzed statistically using Pearson’s χ² test or Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables and the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney U-Test for continuous variables.

RESULTS

In total, 76 infants met the inclusion criteria and were evaluated for enterostomy-related complications. Neither group showed significant differences regarding gender, gestational age, weight at birth or weight at enterostomy formation. Infants suffering from NEC (Group 1) were significantly older at enterostomy formation than the neonates of Group 2 [median (range), 11 (2-75) d vs 4 (1-101) d, P = 0.004)]. Significantly more ileostomies were created in Group 1 [47 (92.2%) vs 16 (64.0%), P = 0.007], whereas colostomies were performed significantly more often in Group 2 [2 (3.9%) vs 8 (32.0%), P = 0.002]. The initiation of enteral nutrition after enterostomy was significantly later in Group 1 infants than in Group 2 infants [median (range), 5 (3-13) vs 3 (1-9), P < 0.001]. The overall rate of one or more complications in patients of both groups after enterostomy formation was 80.3%, with rates of 86.3% in Group 1 and 68.0% in Group 2 (P = 0.073). Most patients suffered from two complications (23.7%). Four or more complications occurred in 21.6% of the infants in Group 1 and in 12.0% of the infants in Group 2 (P = 0.365). Following enterostomy closure, at least one complication was observed in 26.0% of the patients (30.6% in Group 1 and 16.7% in Group 2, P = 0.321). The occurrence of complications was not significantly different between neonates with NEC and infants with other intestinal disorders. 48 (65.8%) patients required no treatment or only pharmacological treatment for the complications that occurred [Clavien-Dindo-Classification (CDC) < III], while 25 (34.2%) required surgery to address the complications (CDC ≥ III). Early reversal of the enterostomy was performed significantly more often (P = 0.003) and the time to full enteral nutrition after closure was significantly longer [median (range), 7 (3-87) d vs 12 (5-93) d, P = 0.006] in infants with a CDC grading ≥ III than in infants with a CDC grading < III.

CONCLUSION

Complications occur in almost all infants with enterostomies. The majority of these complications are minor and do not require surgical treatment. There is a clear trend that neonates with NEC have a higher risk for developing complications than those without NEC.

Primary anastomosis or ostomy in necrotizing enterocolitis?

In neonates requiring operation for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), the complications due to enterostomy (ES) and the need for another operation to restore continuity have prompted several surgeons to employ primary anastomosis (PA) after resection as the operative strategy of choice. Our objective was to compare primary anastomosis to stoma formation in this population using systematic review and meta-analysis. Publications describing both interventions were identified by searching multiple databases. Appropriate studies that reported outcomes after PA and ES for NEC were included for analysis that was performed using the MedCalc3000 software. Results are reported as odds ratios (OR, 95% CI). No randomized trials were identified. Twelve studies were included for the final analysis. Neonates who underwent PA were associated with significantly less risk of mortality when compared to those who underwent ES (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.17-0.68, p 0.002), possibly due to differences in severity of NEC. Although the types of complications in these groups were different, there was no significant difference in risk of complication (OR 0.86, 0.55-1.33, p 0.50). In neonates undergoing an operation for severe NEC, there is no significant difference in the risk of complications between primary anastomosis and enterostomy. A definitive suggestion cannot be made regarding the choice of one operative strategy over another.

Red blood cell transfusion in premature infants leads to worse necrotizing enterocolitis outcomes

BACKGROUND

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe intestinal disease of premature infants with high mortality. Studies suggest a causative relationship between red blood cell (RBC) transfusion and NEC; however, whether RBC transfusion leads to worse outcomes in NEC is unknown. We sought to determine whether RBC transfusion was associated with an increased risk of surgical NEC and mortality.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, 115 patients were enrolled with NEC Bell's stage 2A or greater from 2010-2015. Patients were classified based on the timing of RBC transfusion before NEC: ≤72 h, >72 h, and no transfusion. Variables including gestational age (GA), birth weight (BW), feedings, and hematocrit levels were analyzed. Outcomes were surgical intervention for NEC following RBC transfusion and mortality.

RESULTS

Twenty-three (20%) infants developed NEC ≤ 72 h after RBC transfusion, 16 (69.6%) required surgery with a mortality rate of 21.7% (n = 5). Seventeen (15%) infants developed NEC > 72 h after RBC transfusion, 12 (70.6%) required surgery with a mortality rate of 23.5% (n = 4). 75 (65%) patients developed NEC without RBC transfusion, 17 (22.7%) required surgery with a mortality rate of 4% (n = 3). Lower GA and BW were significantly associated with RBC transfusion and the need for surgical intervention. RBC transfusion ≤72 h before NEC was associated with surgical NEC (pairwise adjusted P < 0.001) and mortality (pairwise adjusted P = 0.048). However, multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed RBC transfusion is not an independent risk factor for surgical NEC.

CONCLUSIONS

Infants of lower GA and BW were more likely to receive an RBC transfusion before NEC, which was significantly associated with surgical intervention and an increasing risk of mortality. Judicious use of transfusions in premature infants may improve NEC outcomes.

Long term outcome of preterm infants with isolated intestinal perforation: A comparison between primary anastomosis and ileostomy

AIM OF THE STUDY

Management of isolated intestinal perforation (IIP) poses a challenge for the pediatric surgeon. Intestinal resection and primary anastomosis is considered to be as good as the classical approach, namely, intestinal diversion by ileostomy. However, few reports compare primary anastomosis and ileostomy as IIP treatment. In our institution we favored primary anastomosis as first line treatment whenever patient's condition permitted. Our purpose is to retrospectively compare the outcomes of preterm infants treated with primary anastomosis or ileostomy during a laparotomy in which an IIP was found.

METHOD

We identified all newborns who had abdominal operations for IIP from 2000 through 2013. Patients with extensive necrotizing entorocolitis and comorbidities were excluded, as well as those who died in the first 24h. Demographics, type of treatment and complications were reviewed. Major complications included the need for an urgent reoperation, development of late NEC and death.

RESULTS

Twenty-three patients with a median gestational age (GA) of 27weeks and median birth weight (BW) of 883g had receive two types of treatment: group I included 9 patients who had intestinal resection of the affected bowel and ileostomy; group PA consisted of 14 patients who had intestinal resection and primary anastomosis. The decision to perform PA or I was based on the surgeon's judgment, in the absence of a specific protocol. There were no significant differences in GA and BW between both groups. Overall mortality was 30.4%. However mortality was restricted to group PA (n=7 cases; 50%) (p=0.019). Most major complications occurred in group PA (71% vs. 11%, p=0.029). There were six cases of late NEC, all in group PA (p=0.048), and four of those patients died. Other than the type of treatment, no differences could be identified between both groups.

CONCLUSION

Preterm newborns with IIP are at a higher risk for developing life-threatening complications if treated with primary anastomosis than with ileostomy.

The extramucosal interrupted end-to-end intestinal anastomosis in infants and children; a single surgeon 21year experience

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

To report outcomes of a standardised technique for intestinal anastomosis in infants and children.

METHODS

Data were prospectively collected on all paediatric intestinal anastomosis by a single surgeon over a 21year period. Anastomoses were constructed using an end-to-end extramucosal technique with interrupted polypropylene sutures. Demographic and clinical data were recorded.

RESULTS

Six-hundred and thirteen anastomoses were constructed in 550 patients. Median age at time of anastomosis was 6months (range 1day-226months). The most common reason for anastomosis was stoma closure (n=271, 49%). For those patients that required multiple anastomoses the most common pathology was acute NEC (n=22/41, 54%). One-hundred and one (18.4%) patients passed stool within 24hours of surgery, 175 (31.8%) between 24-48 hours and 95 (17.3%) between 48-72 hours. Anastomotic complications occurred in 7 patients (1.3%) including anastomotic leakage (n=5, 0.9%) and anastomotic stricture (n=2, 0.4%). The majority of anastomotic leakages (80%) followed resection of acute NEC.

CONCLUSIONS

The interrupted extramucosal anastomosis is safe and effective. The return of bowel function is rapid and the complication rate acceptable. We recommend this technique be used for all intestinal anastomoses in children and infants.

The surgical management of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC)

Necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) is a neonatal surgical emergency. At its early stages, the management of NEC is largely medical using broad-spectrum antibiotics, gut rest and total parental nutrition. The only absolute indication for surgery is an intra-abdominal perforation. There are several relative indications for surgery based on clinical, biochemical and radiological parameters. Once the decision to intervene is made, several approaches may be taken. Peritoneal lavage can be used as a salvage procedure or definitive management in some cases. The most common approach taken is bowel resection with enterostomy formation. There is a role for primary anastomosis of bowel in limited NEC. In severe, multi-focal NEC a high diverting jejunostomy or "clip and drop technique" can be used. Laparoscopy has a limited role and is not widespread. The surgical complications of NEC include stoma related morbidity, anastomotic leak/stricture and short-bowel syndrome. Long-term data on neurodevelopmental outcomes is sparse but the present literature is suggestive of a negative impact in cases of surgically managed NEC.

Necrotizing enterocolitis: controversies and challenges

Necrotizing enterocolitis is a devastating intestinal disease that affects ~5% of preterm neonates. Despite advancements in neonatal care, mortality remains high (30–50%) and controversy still persists with regards to the most appropriate management of neonates with necrotizing enterocolitis. Herein, we review some controversial aspects regarding the epidemiology, imaging, medical and surgical management of necrotizing enterocolitis and we describe new emerging strategies for prevention and treatment.

Primary laparotomy is effective and safe in the treatment of necrotizing enterocolitis

INTRODUCTION

There is ongoing controversy regarding the surgical treatment of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in infants with extremely low birth weight (ELBW). We hypothesize that primary laparotomy is a safe and effective treatment for all infants with surgical NEC.

METHODS

We retrospectively compared a group of ELBW infants (<1,000 g, group A, n = 39) with preterm infants (≥1,000 g, group B, n = 18) with surgical NEC during a 4-year period (10/2008-09/2012). Indications for emergency operation were Bell stages IIIa or IIIb. The main outcome measure was survival. Data were analyzed using Chi squared test and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient.

RESULTS

Fifty-seven patients were included with a gestational age from 24 to 30 weeks in group A and 27-38 weeks in group B. There were no significant differences in Bell stage (IIIa; IIIb) and NEC type (focal; segmental; pannecrosis). The operative techniques were not significantly different between the groups and included resection and stoma formation in 44 of 57 (77 %) patients; resection and anastomosis in 6 of 57 (11 %); and inspection only, followed by withdrawal of care, in 7 of 57 (12 %). Overall mortality was 10 of 57 (17 %) with no significant difference between the groups. The only significant correlation was observed between the length of necrotic bowel and mortality. In total, 7 of 57 infants required repeated surgery after initial treatment. We observed stoma complications in 36 % of the patients in group A and 21 % in group B without the need of stoma revision. All stomas were successfully closed at the time of the study. One of 44 patients with stoma closure required a relaparotomy due to bowel obstruction.

CONCLUSIONS

Early primary laparotomy is safe and effective for the management of surgical NEC in ELBW infants. Outcome of affected infants is not influenced by age or weight at surgery but by the length of necrotic bowel.

Necrotizing enterocolitis: a clinical review on diagnostic biomarkers and the role of the intestinal microbiota

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) remains one of the most frequent gastrointestinal diseases in the neonatal intensive care unit, with a continuing unacceptable high mortality and morbidity rates. Up to 20% to 40% of infants with NEC will need surgical intervention at some point. Although the exact pathophysiology is not yet elucidated, prematurity, use of formula feeding, and an altered intestinal microbiota are supposed to induce an inflammatory response of the immature intestine. The clinical picture of NEC has been well described. However, an early diagnosis and differentiation against sepsis is challenging. Besides, it is difficult to timely identify NEC cases that will deteriorate and need surgical intervention. This may interfere with the most optimal treatment of infants with NEC. In this review, we discuss the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of NEC with a focus on the role of microbiota in the development of NEC. An overview of different clinical prediction models and biomarkers is given. Some of these are promising tools for accurate diagnosis of NEC and selection of appropriate therapy.

Royal Australasia of Surgeons Guest Lecture. Necrotizing enterocolitis: prevention, treatment, and outcome

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) remains a very serious disease, particularly in premature infants. This review describes various aspects of the diagnosis and treatment of the disease. The pathogenesis of NEC is not completely understood, and risk factors include formula enteral feeding and bacterial involvement. Prevention of the disease is desirable, and the most robust evidence is linked to the protective effet of human milk and probiotics. The medical and surgical management has not changed significantly in the last 20 years. Insertions of peimary peritoneal drainage in comparison with laparotomy remain controversial, and this uncertainty stimulated the development of two randomized controlled trials. Neither definitely demonstrated an advantage of either periotneal drainage or laparotomy over the other. The advantage offered by a stoma compared to primary intestinal anastomosis is currently investigated in a multicenter randomized controlled trial (STAT Trial). The mortality of the disease remains high, and new therapeutic interventions are needed. Novel forms of treatment that can improve the outcome of this disease are currently under investigation. These include whole-body moderately controlled hypothermia and administration of amniotic fluid stem cells.

Neonatal stomas: does a separate incision avoid complications and a full laparotomy at closure?

PURPOSE

Enterostomy formation is a common outcome in emergency neonatal laparotomy. No consensus exists regarding optimal stoma site. This study aims to identify incidence of complications and closure details related to position of stomas.

METHODS

This study is a retrospective case note review of emergency neonatal enterostomy formation over 11 years at a single institution. Patients were separated into two groups: stomas created through the laparotomy wound and stomas created through a separate incision. Demographic details, complications and closure details were ascertained. Differences between groups were analysed (Mann-Whitney test for continuous variables, Chi-squared test or Fisher's exact test for categorical variables).

RESULTS

One hundred and thirteen stoma formations were examined in 106 patients (71 within laparotomy wound, 42 through a separate incision). Age, gestation, weight, wound-related and stoma-related complications were not significantly different between the groups. A trend towards a higher rate of full laparotomy at closure with stomas through the wound (p = 0.09) was seen. If stomas were sited adjacently, there was no difference in avoidance of full laparotomy at closure (p = 0.97).

CONCLUSION

Stomas sited adjacently within the laparotomy wound are not related to increased complications and offer the same advantage of circumexcision at closure as stomas sited through a separate wound, without an additional abdominal wound.

Treatment of necrotizing enterocolitis: an American Pediatric Surgical Association Outcomes and Clinical Trials Committee systematic review

OBJECTIVE

The optimal treatment of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a common challenge for pediatric surgeons. Although many studies have evaluated prevention and medical therapy for NEC, few guidelines for surgical care exist. The aim of this systematic review is to review and evaluate the currently available evidence for the surgical care of patients with NEC.

METHODS

Data were compiled from a search of PubMed, OVID, the Cochrane Library database, and Web of Science from January 1985 until December 2011. Publications were screened, and their references were hand-searched to identify additional studies. Clinicaltrials.gov was also searched to identify ongoing or unpublished trials. The American Pediatric Surgical Association Outcomes and Clinical Trials Committee proposed six questions deemed pertinent to the surgical treatment of NEC. Recent Cochrane Reviews examined three of these topics; a literature review was performed to address the additional three specific questions.

RESULTS

The Cochrane Reviews support the use of prophylactic probiotics in preterm infants less than 2500 grams to reduce the incidence of NEC, as well as the use of human breast milk rather than formula when possible. There is no clear evidence to support delayed initiation or slow advancement of feeds. For surgical treatment of NEC with perforation, there is no clear support of peritoneal drainage versus laparotomy. Similarly, there is a lack of evidence comparing enterostomy versus primary anastomosis after resection at laparotomy. There are little data to determine the length of treatment with antibiotics to prevent recurrence of NEC.

CONCLUSION

Based on available evidence, probiotics are advised to decrease the incidence of NEC, and human milk should be used when possible. The other reviewed questions are clinically relevant, but there is a lack of evidence-based data to support definitive recommendations. These areas of NEC treatment would benefit from future investigation.

Primary anastomosis in necrotizing enterocolitis: the first option to consider

INTRODUCTION

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the most frequent gastrointestinal emergency in preterm newborns. Thirty percent of all cases will require surgical intervention. Following resection of the involved segment, most patients will undergo a diverting enterostomy.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the safety and effectiveness of primary anastomosis in patients with complicated NEC.

METHODS

This study was a retrospective chart review. The study participants were obtained from both public and private health systems between December 2004 and December 2009 in Santiago, Chile. The inclusion criteria were any patient who underwent a laparotomy for necrotizing enterocolitis. The following variables were evaluated: gestational age, birth weight, use of peritoneal drains, macroscopic features of the intestinal segment, number of anastomoses, parenteral nutrition requirements and post-surgical complications.

RESULTS

Seventy patients were identified. Sixty patients (85%) underwent primary anastomosis. The remaining 10 patients underwent a resection with enterostomy. In the primary anastomosis group (n = 60), twelve percent weighed <1,000 g and 22% weighed 1,000-1,500 g. Two anastomoses were required in 18 patients. Post-surgical complications included infection of the surgical wound in three cases and anastomotic dehiscence in only one case. Seven percent developed short bowel syndrome. Overall mortality was 11.6%, all secondary to sepsis.

CONCLUSION

In this series, primary anastomosis was a safe alternative in the management of complicated NEC, with low morbidity and mortality, independent of age, weight, intraperitoneal contamination or extent of disease.

HIV exposure does not worsen outcome in stage III necrotizing enterocolitis with current treatment protocols

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

The heavy burden of maternal HIV infection in developing countries such as South Africa has resulted in a high prevalence of premature birth and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Uninfected infants born to HIV-infected mothers also demonstrate immune deficiencies. It is, therefore, essential to have a better understanding of how to mitigate HIV as an independent risk factor for surgically treated NEC and to evaluate the relevant contributing factors in the presence of an aggressive strategy of pasteurized breast milk feeding and antiretroviral prophylaxis.

METHODS

Infants with stage IIIb NEC presenting over a 4-year period were retrospectively reviewed. HIV-exposed infants were compared with non-HIV-exposed infants. Contributing factors were evaluated and studied by systematic statistical methods to evaluate risk.

RESULTS

Twenty percent (17/87) infants were HIV-exposed, and 80% (70/87), unexposed, whereas a further 10 (total, n = 97) had unknown HIV exposure status. Demographics and other perinatal risk factors between the 2 groups were not significantly different other than that HIV-exposed infants received pasteurized breast milk and nonexposed infants received unpasteurized breast milk. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups with respect to disease presentation or severity, surgical findings or type of surgery, postoperative complications, survival, or timing of death. Trends toward higher antenatal steroid exposure and increased postoperative sepsis in the HIV-exposed group (P = .03) were noted but were not related. All HIV-exposed infants received antiretrovirals; there were no significant differences on subanalysis between different antiretroviral regimens.

CONCLUSIONS

HIV-exposed infants do not have a more severe disease course nor more adverse outcomes in stage IIIb NEC than unexposed infants. Significant factors were antenatal steroids and post-NEC infective episodes.

Surgical management of extremely low birth weight infants with neonatal bowel perforation: a single-center experience and a review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and focal intestinal perforation (FIP) are major causes of morbidity in infants with extremely low birth weight (ELBW).

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the surgical procedures applied, and the survival and long-term outcome of ELBW infants with NEC and FIP in a single-center study.

METHODS

Inborn and outborn ELBW infants (<1000 g) with NEC and FIP were analyzed retrospectively from 2002 to 2007. Data collected include surgical procedures, survival as well as complications, length of partial parenteral nutrition and hospital stay. The short-term and long-term outcomes after 2-7 years were assessed and compared with a matched control group.

RESULTS

Out of 280 ELBW infants, 28 underwent surgery, 19 because of FIP and 9 for NEC. Fourteen infants in the FIP group were treated with primary laparotomy and 5 with peritoneal drainage (PD). In the NEC group, only 1 infant was treated with PD. PD was used for unstable patients and was always followed by secondary laparotomy after stabilization. Five of 28 (18%) surgically treated ELBW infants and 4 (14%) matched controls died. The following complications occurred in the surgical group: complete (n = 1) or minor wound dehiscence (n = 4), stoma prolapse (n = 5), parastomal hernia (n = 2), stoma fistula (n = 1), and wound infection (n = 2). Dependency on parenteral nutrition was significantly shorter in infants with FIP, while there were no differences in time to stoma closure and length of hospital stay between those with FIP and those with NEC. Eleven of 23 (47.8%) surviving patients with FIP or NEC showed developmental delay, compared with 9 of 24 (37.5%) in the controls.

CONCLUSIONS

The management of EBLW infants with NEC and FIP remains challenging. Our treatment approach was associated with low mortality. Developmental delay seems to be caused by extreme prematurity rather than NEC- or FIP-related bowel perforation.

Outcomes of diverting jejunostomy for severe necrotizing enterocolitis

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

A diverting jejunostomy without bowel resection is an option for surgical management of extensive necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). We aimed to determine outcomes of infants who underwent this operation.

METHODS

We collected clinical and outcome data on infants undergoing a diverting jejunostomy with no bowel resection as a primary procedure for extensive NEC. Data are median (range).

RESULTS

Seventeen neonates underwent a diverting jejunostomy. Eleven (65%) had multifocal disease, whereas 6 (35%) had pan-intestinal involvement. Perforation was seen in 7 (41%), all with multifocal disease. The stoma was placed 12 cm (8-45) from the duodenojejunal flexure. Six infants (35%) died, 4 of these within a day of operation, owing to persisting instability. Intestinal continuity was achieved in all survivors after 52 (17-83) days, and only 1 infant (9%) had a colonic stricture. Seven infants recovered without the need for further intestinal resection distal to the jejunostomy. In those that survived, parenteral nutrition was needed for 2.2 months (1.3-18.0). A single patient had short bowel syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

A diverting jejunostomy is a useful surgical procedure that allows high survival and enteral autonomy in the treatment of extensive NEC. In most patients, the affected intestine recovers without further intestinal resection.

Intestinal anastomoses in small children: is there a higher risk?

AIM

The aim of the retrospective study was to evaluate complications and outcome of children in whom an intestinal anastomosis had been performed at age younger than 1 year.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data were collected both retrospectively and by interviewing the parents. For the retrospective analysis, the underlying disease, biometric data, technical information about the anastomoses, associated illnesses, and complications were evaluated. In the parent interviews, the present quality of life and the state of health of the children were evaluated.

RESULTS

From 1997 to 2007, intestinal anatomoses had been performed in 131 children for various reasons. There were no complications in 81.7% of the patients; 17 children received reoperation. In only 5 cases were anastomotic complications the reasons for the reoperation. Only 7.3% of the 77 interviewed families believe that their child has severe or relevant restrictions in daily life.

CONCLUSIONS

Among 131 children in whom an intestinal bowel anastomosis procedure was performed at age younger than 1 year, only 5 (3.2%) experienced complications associated with the anastomosis. The children are in good physical condition and have an excellent quality of life.

Morbidity after surgical treatment of isolated intestinal perforation and necrotizing enterocolitis is similar in preterm infants weighing less than 1500 g

INTRODUCTION

Isolated intestinal perforation (IIP) and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) seem to be separate diseases, though their surgical treatment is similar. We compared the morbidity after surgery for IIP and NEC in preterm infants (birth weight <1500 g).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Isolated intestinal perforation was defined as intestinal perforation with associated necrosis less than 5% of bowel length and NEC as necrosis of 5% or more of bowel length +/- perforation. Outcome measures included time to full enteral feeds, incidence of total parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis, and nutritional and neurologic status up to 60 months of age. Data are quoted as median (range).

MAIN RESULTS

Sixty-one surviving patients treated between 1986 and 2006 were retrospectively reviewed (IIP: n = 32 versus NEC: n = 29). Median % resection of small and large bowel in IIP and NEC was 2% (1%-22%) versus 12% (6%-32%), and 5% (2%-13%) versus 7% (2%-25%), respectively (P < .05 in both). There was no significant difference in gestational age, birth weight, incidence of cerebral hemorrhage, respiratory distress syndrome, or surgical technique (enterostomy or primary anastomosis). Median time to enteral feeds, incidence of total parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis, length of ventilation, and ultimate nutritional and neurologic outcome did not differ statistically significantly between the groups.

CONCLUSION

Surgery in NEC resulted in more extensive intestinal resection than in IIP. However, subsequent morbidity was similar in both groups.

The evidence base for neonatal surgery

The practise of evidence based medicine means integrating the clinical expertise with the best available external clinical evidence from systematic research. There is a lack of supporting scientific evidence from rigorous trials in neonatal surgery. The indications for surgery and the type of operation performed in neonates are rarely supported by randomised controlled trials. As a consequence, the majority of the operations performed in neonates are supported by retrospective studies and surgeon preference. This review article is focussed on operations in neonates which are performed by general paediatric surgeons. Only a few randomised controlled trials have been performed in neonatal diseases such as congenital diaphragmatic hernia, necrotizing enterocolitis, pyloric stenosis and inguinal hernia. All of these trials have been based on collaboration between paediatric surgical units highlighting the importance of creating a network of centres that will promote multicentre prospective studies.

Outcomes of the "clip and drop" technique for multifocal necrotizing enterocolitis

BACKGROUND

The "clip and drop" (CD) has been proposed as a useful strategy in the management of severe multifocal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). There is little published data on clinical outcomes after this intervention. We report a 2-center experience with this technique.

METHODS

A retrospective review of infants who underwent CD between 1998 and 2006 at 2 tertiary pediatric surgery centers. Data recorded included intestinal resections, interval between laparotomies, anastomoses at subsequent surgery, time to full feeds, and complications including mortality. Data are reported as median with ranges.

RESULTS

Thirteen infants (7 male, 6 female) with a birth weight of 811 (514-2110) g underwent CD of up to 5 bowel segments. In 8 of 9 early survivors, all CD segments were viable. Six patients (46%) were alive at 29 (9-96) months. Survivors underwent 4 (3-4) laparotomies and 4 (2-6) bowel anastomoses and had intestinal continuity restored at 67 (51-162) days.

CONCLUSIONS

With multiple interventions, half the infants in this high-risk group survived and achieved full enteral feeds. The CD is a valuable technique in a selected group of infants with fulminant NEC.

Necrotizing enterocolitis--bench to bedside: novel and emerging strategies

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a devastating illness that predominantly affects premature neonates. The mortality associated with this disease has changed very little during the last two decades. Neonates with NEC fall into two categories: those who respond to medical management alone and those who require surgical treatment. The disease distribution may be focal, multifocal, or panintestinal. Surgical treatment should therefore be based on disease presentation. Recent studies have added significant insight into our understanding of the pathogenesis of NEC. Several groups have shown that upregulation of nitric oxide plays an integral role in the development of epithelial injury in NEC. As a result, some treatment strategies have been aimed at abrogating the toxic effects of nitric oxide. In addition, several investigators have reported the cytoprotective effect of epidermal growth factor, which is found in high levels in breast milk, on the intestinal epithelium. Thus, fortification of infant formula with specific growth factors could soon become a preferred strategy to accelerate intestinal maturation in the premature neonate to prevent the development of NEC. One of the most devastating complications of NEC is the development of short bowel syndrome (SBS). The current treatment of SBS involves intestinal lengthening procedures or bowel transplantation. A novel emerging method for treating SBS involves the use of tissue-engineered intestine. In laboratory animals, tissue-engineered small intestine has been shown to be successful in treating intestinal failure. This article examines recent data regarding surgical treatment options for NEC as well as emerging treatment modalities.

Necrotizing enterocolitis in newborns: pathogenesis, prevention and management

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is primarily a disease process of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of premature neonates that results in inflammation and bacterial invasion of the bowel wall. Despite advances in the care of premature infants, NEC remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in this population. It occurs in 1-5% of all neonatal intensive care admissions and 5-10% of all very low birthweight (<1500 g) infants. Although research has presented an interesting array of potential contributing factors, the precise aetiology of this multifactorial disease process remains elusive. Historically, it was believed that NEC arose predominantly from ischaemic injury to the immature GI tract, yet alternate plausible hypotheses indicate that many factors are likely to be involved. These may include issues related to the introduction and advancement of enteric feeding, alterations in the normal bacterial colonization of the GI tract, bacterial translocation and activation of the cytokine cascade, decreased epidermal growth factor, increased platelet activating factor, and mucosal damage from free radical production. Clinical manifestations of NEC may be vague, including increased episodes of apnoea, desaturations, bradycardia, lethargy and temperature instability. There may also be GI-specific symptoms such as feeding intolerance, emesis, bloody stools, abdominal distention and tenderness, and abdominal wall discolouration. Laboratory values may be indicative of infection, coagulation abnormalities and fluid retention. Radiographic signs may include ileus, dilated or fixed intestinal loops, air in the intestinal wall or free air in the abdomen. Medical treatment typically consists of bowel rest and decompression, antibacterial therapy, and management of other haematological or electrolyte imbalances. Increased respiratory and cardiovascular support is sometimes needed. In neonates who do not respond adequately to medical management, or if pneumoperitoneum is present, surgical intervention may occur with either use of a peritoneal drain or laparotomy. Advances in antenatal and neonatal care have resulted in increased survival of extremely preterm neonates. As this at-risk population continues to increase, an effective preventative strategy for NEC is needed. One preventative strategy is the use of antenatal corticosteroids to enhance maturation of the fetus if preterm delivery is likely. Recommendation of use of breast milk, early initiation of trophic feeds and judicoius advancement of enteric feeds are current postnatal strategies. Other preventative strategies that have been investigated include the use of oral antibacterials, antioxidants, supplementation of arginine and epidermal growth factor, none of which have changed clinical practice. Recent promising data indicate that prophylactic use of probiotics may play a role in preventing the onset of NEC. However, more large-scale, definitive studies are needed.

Peritoneal drainage or laparotomy for neonatal bowel perforation? A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether primary peritoneal drainage improves survival and outcome of extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants with intestinal perforation.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Optimal surgical management of ELBW infants with intestinal perforation is unknown.

METHODS

An international multicenter randomized controlled trial was performed between 2002 and 2006. Inclusion criteria were birthweight >or=1000 g and pneumoperitoneum on x-ray (necrotizing enterocolitis or isolated perforation). Patients were randomized to peritoneal drain or laparotomy, minimizing differences in weight, gestation, ventilation, inotropes, platelets, country, and on-site surgical facilities. Patients randomized to drain were allowed to have a delayed laparotomy after at least 12 hours of no clinical improvement.

RESULTS

Sixty-nine patients were randomized (35 drain, 34 laparotomy); 1 subsequently withdrew consent. Six-month survival was 18/35 (51.4%) with a drain and 21/33 (63.6%) with laparotomy (P = 0.3; difference 12% 95% CI, -11, 34%). Cox regression analysis showed no significant difference between groups (hazard ratio for primary drain 1.6; P = 0.3; 95% CI, 0.7-3.4). Delayed laparotomy was performed in 26/35 (74%) patients after a median of 2.5 days (range, 0.4-21) and did not improve 6-month survival compared with primary laparotomy (relative risk of mortality 1.4; P = 0.4; 95% CI, 0.6-3.4). Drain was effective as a definitive treatment in only 4/35 (11%) surviving neonates, the rest either had a delayed laparotomy or died.

CONCLUSIONS

Seventy-four percent of neonates treated with primary peritoneal drainage required delayed laparotomy. There were no significant differences in outcomes between the 2 randomization groups. Primary peritoneal drainage is ineffective as either a temporising measure or definitive treatment. If a drain is inserted, a timely "rescue" laparotomy should be considered. Trial registration number ISRCTN18282954; http://isrctn.org/

Neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) remains a major cause of morbidity and death in neonates. The 30% to 50% mortality rate for NEC with perforation has not changed appreciably in the past 30 years. The critical relevant outcomes following NEC include survival, gastrointestinal function, and neurodevelopmental status. In each of these areas, initial anecdotal and case-series analysis has been followed by studies using more sophisticated methods of analysis. The single most important predictor of outcome, besides gestational age, is whether or not the disease has progressed to the point requiring surgical intervention. Patients with NEC requiring operation have a high mortality. Moreover, the vast majority of morbidity following NEC occurs in the patients who survive following operation. The purpose of this review is to examine the evolution of evidence regarding outcomes for patients with NEC and to provide an update on our current state of knowledge.

Necrotising enterocolitis

Necrotising enterocolitis is one of the most common gastrointestinal emergencies in newborn infants. Here we review the epidemiology, clinical presentation, and pathophysiology of the disease, as well as strategies for diagnosis, management, and prevention. Necrotising enterocolitis is one of the most devastating and unpredictable diseases affecting premature infants. Despite decades of research, its pathogenesis remains unclear; diagnosis can be difficult; and treatment is challenging. We will need to improve our understanding of intestinal defences in premature infants, dietary and bacterial factors, and genetic effects that could predispose infants to necrotising enterocolitis before we can develop new strategies for prevention and treatment.