Surgical treatment of necrotizing enterocolitis

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious problem in nurseries for premature infants and neonatal intensive care units, with a high incidence of morbidity and mortality. During the 5-year period 1973-77, 86 infants with NEC were treated at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics; 43 of them underwent surgery and 43 were treated medically. The surgical candidates were more seriously ill, and their survival rate was 42% compared with 63% for those treated conventionally. Early diagnosis and aggressive surgical treatment of NEC may decrease or even prevent the severity of life-threatening complications.