Neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis.

Since 1964 there has been a steady improvement in the management and survival of patients with neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis. The discussion focuses on the pathology; clinical, laboratory, and x-ray observations; supportive therapy; and surgical management of this problem. Intestinal malabsorption continues to be a significant problem in such patients, but in the author's experience it generally resolves within a month of reconstitution of gastrointestinal continuity.