Surgical management of acute necrotizing enterocolitis in infancy

Abstract Necrotizing enterocolitis (N.E.C.) occurring in the neonatal period was first described in the late 1800's. 1 Increasing attention has recently been directed to this disease because of the poor survival rate and an apparently increased incidence. 2–4 The poor survival rate has been attributed to intestinal necrosis and perforation which could be corrected by appropriate surgical intervention; however, the timing and indications for surgery have not been clearly defined. We have reviewed the records of 65 patients with acute necrotizing enterocolitis seen in the neonatal unit of the Los Angeles County-University of Southern California Medical Center from July, 1970 through December, 1972. Particular attention has been directed to those patients who underwent a surgical procedure.