Peritoneal drainage as definitive therapy in neonates with Necrotizing Enterocolitis irrespective of weight and gestational age

Objective: To evaluate efficacy of peritoneal drainage(PD) in neonates with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) having pneumoperitoneam or peritonitis as a definitive tool of management irrespective of weight and gestational age(GA). Design:Prospective analysis of 12 cases. Place and duration:This study was conducted in 2 hospital in Taif Saudi Arabia from December2002 to September 2005. Subject and Methods: All neonates diagnosed as NEC with pneumoperitoneum or peritonitis were included in this study irrespective of weight and GA and peritoneal drainage was performed as a primary tool of management. Results:Pertoneal drainage was performed in 15 patients, but 3 of them were excluded as the cause of pneumoperitonium and peritonitis were other than NEC.Out of 12 neonates 89% improved after PD,only 1(8%) needed surgery.Overall survival was 75%.Main cause of mortality was a second attack of NEC and sepsis. Conclusion: PD is an effective way of treating neonates with NEC irrespective of weight and GA. PD not on ly stabilizez the neonates rather proves to be a definite treatment for the sick premature babies who can not tolerate general anesthesia and surgical stress.Mortality rate is high with second attack of NEC.