The role of surgery in management of necrotizing enterocolitis

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) has become the most common gastrointestinal emergency among neonates and preterms admitted to the intensive care units. The aim of this study is to evaluate the surgical management of NEC as well as their outcome.

Thirty five cases were included in this prospective study (10 full terms, 15 preterm and 10 infants) with the diagnosis of NEC. The severity of NEC episodes were determined according to Bells classification into group A (stage I 10 cases), Group B (stage II 17 cases) and group C (stage III 8 cases). Full history and clinical examination were taken. Radiological studies (abdominal plain X-ray and ultrasound), blood and stool cultures were done.

All risk factors such as sepsis, hypoxia, premature rupture of membrane (PROM) and eclampsia were statistically significantly higher among group C than group A. The commonest presenting symptom was abdominal distension followed by vomiting. All positive radiological signs were statistically significantly higher among both groups B&C than group A except for pneumopritonium sign. Medical treatment was started and complete clinical improvement was achieved in all cases of group A and in 2 cases from group B. The remaining 23 cases (15 cases from group B and the 8 cases of group C) failed to respond to the medical treatment and were operated upon. Resection anastomosis was done for 12 cases from group B while resection with stoma formation was done for 3 cases from group B and 8 cases from group C. The over all mortality was 11 cases out of 35 (31.4%). 5 cases from group B and 6 cases from group C.

Early diagnosis and intensive medical and surgical treatment with laparotomy and resection of the affected bowel were mandatory to minimize both morbidity and mortality from NEC. Primary anastomosis is the procedure of choice as long as the condition of the remaining bowel is satisfactory.