ABSTRACT
The occurrence of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) in babies who have never been fed is rare. Over 90% of babies with NEC have received enteral feeds and there is an estimated 3- to 10-fold risk reduction in infants who are fed human milk. The overall mortality rate for NEC ranges between 15% and 30% and is significantly higher in babies who undergo surgery. The diagnosis of NEC is based on the presence of general and gastrointestinal signs and symptoms combined with imaging findings. Pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) is the cornerstone for the radiographic diagnosis of NEC. In a patient with a suggestive clinical presentation, the presence of PI confirms the diagnosis of NEC, but the absence of PI does not exclude NEC. Performing multiple anastomoses over a silicon catheter is another valid option in cases of patchy small-bowel disease, where necrotic and viable segments are clearly identifiable. Small bowel and large bowel seem to be equally affected by NEC.
