Overview
The surgical team reviewed challenging cases of neonatal bowel conditions, including necrotizing enterocolitis, bowel strictures, and intestinal perforations, discussing diagnostic approaches, treatment options, and surgical considerations. There are presentations on rare conditions and treatment variations among centers, emphasizing the need for institution-specific assessment of treatment effectiveness in neonatal gastrointestinal cases.
Case 1. Near-term Baby with Necrotizing Enterocolitis and Obstuctive Symptoms
This case featured a near-term baby with necrotizing enterocolitis and obstructive symptoms. The surgical team discussed various diagnostic approaches and management strategies for the patient, including the use of contrast enemas and serial X-rays to evaluate potential bowel obstructions and inflammation. The surgical team presented and discussed, various differential diagnoses and treatment options for neonates with abdominal symptoms and bowel abnormalities.
Case 2. Challenges of Treating Gastrointestinal Perforations in a Premature Baby
A patient case involving gastrointestinal perforations in premature babies was presented, initially misdiagnosed but later confirmed through imaging and surgery. The surgical team discussed the challenges in determining the optimal treatment approach between surgical intervention and conservative management, with opinions varying between different medical centers. The group emphasized that while there have been randomized trials on this topic, there remains equipoise regarding the best treatment method, suggesting that centers should evaluate their own data to determine the most effective approach for their specific environment.