Long-term outcomes of severe surgical necrotizing Enterocolitis

Abstract Purpose We sought to describe long-term outcomes of infants with severe surgical necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Methods Data were collected on infants with surgical NEC (2009–2018). Severe surgical NEC was defined by extensive bowel loss with residual Results Of 268 infants with surgical NEC, 41 (15%) had severe surgical NEC, and 14/41 were identified as “NEC totalis”. Zero severe NEC vs. 8 (57%) “NEC totalis” patients were placed on comfort measures following initial surgery (p  Conclusion Long-term survival is excellent following initial discharge, and achievement of enteral autonomy is feasible in patients with severe surgical NEC. The majority of patients who survive do not have severe neurodevelopmental disability and participate in school. Given current survivals and outcomes, focus on measured residual bowel length may be more appropriate than the subjective term “NEC-totalis.” Type of Study. Prognosis Study. Level of Evidence. Level II.