Outcomes of primary intestinal anastomosis versus stoma in necrotizing enterocolitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Approximately one-quarter of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) cases require surgical resection due to bowel perforation, necrosis, or failure to respond to conservative management. In such cases, the optimal method for restoring intestinal continuity remains debatable. Stoma is traditionally favored over primary anastomosis for its perceived safety, particularly in unstable infants, but it is associated with complications such as fluid and electrolyte imbalances, impaired growth, and the need for a second surgery. This study aims to systematically review and analyze the evidence comparing stoma versus primary anastomosis in neonates undergoing surgery for NEC.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Web of Science (WOS), the Cochrane Library, and Scopus for studies comparing t

SUBMITTER: Alansari AN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12670917 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature