Necrotising Enterocolitis (NEC)

The baby will return to the neonatal intensive care unit to recover after the surgery. Immediately after surgery, most babies will most likely need help with breathing and so will be connected to a ventilator machine. They will also be given pain relief medication. While the intestine recovers, they will continue to receive nutrition through drip until they are ready for milk feeds. 

If the portion of the intestine removed at surgery is significant and the bowel does not look very healthy, the surgeon might fashion an opening in the baby’s belly and sew the intestine to this ( Stoma). This allows stool to come out from intestines to a bag place outside. Several months after the initial surgery and once adequate growth and nutrition is achieved, the surgeon will then close the stoma and join the bowels together. A more detailed explanation regarding the operation and these possibilities will be explained in more detail to Parents by the Surgeon and the Neonatal team. 

Mothers will be encouraged to continue to express breastmilk as breastmilk is preferred when the baby is ready for feeding after surgery. Occasionally, a special type of pre-digested formula may have to be given if the baby is showing signs of not absorbing breast milk.