[Treatment of necrotizing enteritis using peritoneal drainage. Presentation of a clinical case (author's transl)]

Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) of the new-born is a serious syndrome characterized by bilious vomiting, gastric retention, abdominal distention and bloody stools. Furthermore, the general condition of the neonate is frequently compromised. The pathogenesis is multi-factorial; however, most authors state that the primary cause of this syndrome is due to ischemia of the intestinal wall. The most serious complication in babies with NEC is perforation of the necrotic bowel, a condition which must always be treated surgically. We present a case of NEC that has a particularly interesting clinical course and, as well, an interesting approach to treatment, which involved the placement of a peritoneal drain. This drain was subsequently utilized for peritoneal lavage once the diagnosis of NEC was confirmed, because we felt that the patient's general condition was so serious that he could not tolerate surgery at this time.