[Necrotizing enterocolitis in extremely immature newborns. The surgical treatment potential]

The aim of this study is to assess a contemporary treatment potential for necrotizing enterocolitis in newborns with birth weights under 1000 g. METHODOLOGY AND SUBJECTS: This is a retrospective study of clinical and pathological data in a group of 19 newborns with birth weights under 1000 g treated for necrotizing colitis (NEC) by the authors' team from 1999 to 2003. Only newborns with the second and third grade NEC according to Bell were included in the trial group.

The trial group included 19 newborns born in the 26th gestation week, on average (ranging from 23- to 31) with a mean birth weight of 711 grams (the range between 460-980 g). Their NEC appeared on the 18th postnatal day, on average (the range between 6-59). Ten newborns were operated in the acute stage of their NEC, nine were treated conservatively. Five infants operated in the acute stage had separational ileostomy conducted, four had a T-drain introduced and one had an abdominal drain introduced. In the conservatively managed group, three infants were consequently operated for intestinal strictures following their NEC, two recovered during the conservative treatment and four exited due to a fast progress of their NEC without surgery. The total mortality rate of the trial group was 42% (8 infants exited).

The NEC treatment in the extremely immature newborns with birth weigts under 1000 g requires complex cooperation of a neonatologist and a paediatric surgeon. The necrotic intestine resections followed by stomic procedures remain standard procedures in unstable newborns with a localised form of the disease.