[Operation and prognosis of necrotizing enterocolitis in the newborn (author's transl)]

15 children who were treated surgically for necrotizing entero-colitis (N.E.C.) are presented and the indications for surgery and prognosis are discussed. The indications for surgery include perforation, peritonitis and persistent intestinal obstruction. It is doubtful whether laparotomy is indicated in those children with rapid deterioration and simple peritoneal drainage in very sick infants as described. The mortality rate of operated children is around 40%, which is in accord with published literature. The possibility of intestinal stenosis developing and producing intestinal obstruction is stressed.