Operation does not increase resting energy expenditure in the neonate

This study was designed to assess the effect of operative stress on resting energy expenditure (REE) in surgical newborn infants. REE was measured in 15 neonates who had had an abdominal or thoracic operation. The findings were compared with the REE predicted from Talbot's data for unstressed neonates. The mean measured postoperative REE of 39.18 +/- 6.44 was not significantly different from the mean predicted REE of 40.98 +/- 8.83 kcal/kg/d. We concluded that an uncomplicated operation does not increase REE in the neonate.