Association between timing of re-introduction of enteral feeding and short-term outcomes following laparotomy for Necrotising Enterocolitis

Prospective UK/Ireland study of 143 infants post-NEC laparotomy found no significant difference in 28-day mortality or parenteral nutrition dependence between early (≤7 days) versus delayed (8-27 days) feed reintroduction. Early enteral feeding appears safe in appropriately selected cases, challenging the traditional 7-day nil-by-mouth protocol.