Does the initial surgery for necrotizing enterocolitis matter? Comparative outcomes for laparotomy vs. peritoneal drain as initial surgery for necrotizing enterocolitis in infants <1000 g birth weight

Comparative outcomes study examining initial surgical approach (laparotomy versus peritoneal drain) for necrotizing enterocolitis in extremely-low-birth-weight infants under 1000g. Analysis uses Children's Hospitals Neonatal Database to quantify short-term outcomes and inform surgical decision-making in this high-risk population.