ABSTRACT
Necrotizing enterocolitis is the most common condition for which emergency gastrointestinal surgery is required during the neonatal period. Epidemiologic studies indicate that prematurity is without question the most important risk factor for N EC. There is increased incidence o f N E C with decreasing birth weight and gesta tional age. Like incidence, the age o f onset is inversely related to birth weight and gesta tional age.1 The severity o f the disease and resulting complications are greater in infants o f extremely low birthweight with more extensive intestinal involvement and higher mortality.2 Recent advances in neonatal intensive care have led to increased survival o f smaller, more immature infants who are at greatest risk for N EC . As smaller newborns survive early causes o f death, N E C mortality may increase.3
