Neonatal Gastrointestinal Emergencies in a Tertiary Care Center in Bhopal, India: A Prospective Study.

ABSTRACT

Background: In emergency neonatal surgery is challenging and difficult, causing high morbidity and mortality. In our country, only few reports are there about the results and consequences of acute surgical abdominal emergencies in newborns. Objective: The aim of present study was to determine the etiology and clinical results in neonates with acute abdomen requiring surgical intervention. Materials and Methods: This was a 3 years prospective hospital-based study of all neonates who underwent surgery for acute gastrointestinal emergencies at Chirayu Medical College and hospital Bhopal from January 2012 to January 2015. Patient’s profile, symptoms, causes of acute surgical abdomen, clinical outcomes were analyzed. Results: A total of 25 neonates were studied, males were the majority being 18 (72.0%) Neonatal intestinal obstruction was the main abdominal surgical emergency. Anorectal malformation was seen in 12 (48%) cases. Abdominal distension was seen in 15 cases and failure to pass meconium was seen in 15 (19.2%) cases. Palliative surgery was done in 16 cases and definitive surgery was done in 9 cases. The mortality was seen in 5 neonates (20%). Conclusion: In present study, Intestinal obstruction was the major cause of acute surgical abdominal emergency. There is a need to increase care at all levels of referral in our country for the early management of sick newborns. Facilities such as neonatal ventilators, specialized neonatal surgeon, and operative facilities will result in better outcome.