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Necrotizing enterocolitis in infants with esophageal atresia awaiting delayed primary repair

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Abstract

Of 149 infants with esophageal atresia treated during a 13-year period, 5 (3%) developed postoperative necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Four of the 5 were premature with birth weights below 1.8 kg (Waterston group C), and all were from a group of 17 awaiting delayed primary esophageal anastomosis. In each case, NEC occurred suddenly and death ensued within 5 days. NEC should be included in the list of complications resulting from, or associated with, delayed primary repair of esophageal atresia.

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Stringer, M.D., Brereton, R.J. & Wright, V.M. Necrotizing enterocolitis in infants with esophageal atresia awaiting delayed primary repair. Pediatr Surg Int 7, 353–355 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00176591

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