Management of extremely low birth weight neonates with bowel obstruction within 2 weeks after birth

Purpose The majority of bowel obstructions in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) neonates are meconium-related ileus (MRI). ELBW neonates with bowel obstruction may recover by conservative treatment, but some do not. Considering the high surgical morbidity rates, unnecessary surgery should be avoided. We sought to identify a reasonable treatment strategy under these conditions. Methods ELBW neonates who started to have bowel obstruction with an unclear cause within 14 days of age were enrolled. The study period was from January 2009 to August 2011. The enrolled patients had daily Gastrografin ® enemas until 14 days of age or until the obstruction resolved. If the obstruction lasted beyond around 14 days of age, the patient underwent surgical intervention. The clinical data of the patients were collected and analyzed. Results Fourteen patients were enrolled. Twelve patients had MRI, which resolved within 14 days without surgery. Two patients with persistent obstruction underwent surgery, and they were found to have Hirschsprung’s disease and ileal volvulus, respectively. Conclusion For ELBW neonates with bowel obstruction of unclear etiology, the early and frequent administration of a Gastrografin ® enema is reasonable. Surgery should be considered if the obstruction lasts beyond approximately 14 days after birth.