Laparotomy vs. Drainage for ELBW Infants with NEC or IP

Overview

A multicenter randomized trial of laparotomy vs. drainage as the initial surgical therapy for extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) or isolated intestinal perforation (IP): outcomes at 18-22 months adjusted age.

Objective

To assess, whether the initial surgical treatment of extremely low birth weight infants who have necrotizing enterocolitis or intestinal perforation and require surgical treatment should be laparotomy or percutaneous drain.

Study details and criteria available online.