Early operation with intestinal diversion for necrotizing enterocolitis

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) remains a highly lethal disorder despite significant advances in management during the past decade. Increased mortality with perforation and the frequent finding of massive intestinal necrosis have hampered efforts to improve survival. A recent experience with early operation and intestinal diversion in selected patients with clinical features suggesting impending intestinal gangrene suggests a place in the management of infants with rapidly progressive NEC.