Necrotizing Enterocolitis in a Very Low Birth-weight Infant: A Case Report

Abstract

A very low birth-weight female infant (852 g) was surgically treated for necrotizing enterocolitis. At the age of 6 days, she was diagnosed as having intestinal perforation by transillumination test. Laparotomy revealed multiple lesions in the whole intestines with multiple perforations in the colon. A double barreled distal ileostomy was made. Closure of patent ductus arteriosus was done because of progressive heart failure. Partial colectomy was made because of the stricture of the colonic lesion. On 234 days after birth she was discharged at 3,875 g body weight. She is 2 years and 6 months old with satisfactory mental and physical condition at present. Surgical care of necrotizing enterocolitis in a very low birth-weight infant is discussed.