LONG-TERM PROGNOSIS AFTER MAJOR RESECTION OF SMALL BOWEL IN EARLY INFANCY

Observations are recorded on the progress of each of 4 children who had less than 100 cm. of small bowel remaining after resection for neonatal obstruction, their present ages being 3, 4, 9, and 10 years. Plans are outlined for the management of feeding during the early months, based upon experience in treating the severe intolerance due to malabsorption. The physical growth and development of all 4 children has reached the normal range, but one child who had a long phase of undernutrition and growth retardation during infancy appears to be somewhat mentally retarded at 9 years. The apparent recovery of bowel function in our patients has also been reported by other workers. A degree of malabsorption has persisted in the older children, the younger having not yet been put to the test. This malabsorption jeopardizes nutrition, and therefore arrangements for long-term care are essential.