[Treatment and results in necrotizing enterocolitis in infancy (author's transl)]

Abstract

29 children aged between 1 day and 22 months were treated for enteritis with complications. 2 children were cured conservatively. In 27 cases surgery was needed; of these 13 children survived. In 19 patients bacteria were found in the stools. Operation was indicated when there was diffuse peritonitis or when perforation could be shown radiologically. In cases of intestinal perforation the following technique was used in the last few years: 1. resection of the segment involved and ileoor colostomy. 2. Anastomosis and closure of colostomy 4--6 weeks later. Among 29 children with necrotizing enterocolitis there were 12 who also had malformations of the heart and lungs. This made worse a prognosis which was bad anyway.