children s health issues
Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)
Treatment of Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Feedings stopped Nutrition, fluids, and antibiotics given by vein Sometimes surgery Newborns who have necrotizing enterocolitis remain in the hospital and are treated in the Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) . Feedings are stopped immediately in newborns with necrotizing enterocolitis. A suction tube is passed into the newborn's stomach to remove its contents, which decreases pressure and helps prevent vomiting. Nutrition and fluids are given by vein to maintain hydration and nutrition and allow the intestine to heal. Antibiotics are given by vein to treat infection. Over 75% of newborns with necrotizing enterocolitis do not need surgery. However, surgery is needed if there is intestinal perforation or part of the intestine is severely affected. The surgery involves removing the part of the intestine that has not been receiving enough blood. The ends of the healthy intestine are brought out to the skin surface to create a temporary opening to allow the intestines to drain (ostomy). Later, when the infant is healthy, the ends of the intestine are reattached and the intestine is put back into the abdominal cavity. In extremely small (about 1 pound or less, or less than 600 grams) or seriously ill infants who may not survive more extensive surgery, doctors may place peritoneal drains into the abdominal cavity. Peritoneal drains allow the infected material in the abdomen to drain out of the body and may lessen symptoms. The procedure helps stabilize these infants so that an operation can be done at a later time when they are in less critical condition. In some cases, infants recover without needing additional surgery. 