14/42 neonates suffering from N.E.C. developed the clinical stage III (intestinal necrosis, septicemia) and/or IV (intestinal perforation, peritonitis) within 24-48 h ("fulminant" course). 2/14 deteriorated dramatically and died before operation. In 12/14 cases, the general condition could be improved and immediate laparotomy was performed (2/12 died). Management and factors affecting prognosis are discussed. Following surgery, there was no significant difference in survival rates between "fulminant" and protracted course N.E.C.

Between 1971 and 1984 58 neonates were operated on because of bowel obstructing intestinal malformations. The most significant postoperative complications were cardiac insufficiency (7), mechanical bowel obstruction (5), sepsis (4), short bowel syndrome (3), respiratory insufficiency or pneumonia (3), anastomotic leak (2) or stenosis (1), bleeding (2), bowel infarction (1). Overall mortality: 15/58 (26%).