Mucous Fistula Refeeding Promotes Earlier Enteral Autonomy in Infants with Small Bowel Resection

Retrospective study of 101 infants with NEC or small bowel atresia demonstrates that mucous fistula refeeding significantly accelerates enteral autonomy, reducing parenteral nutrition duration by 22 days and improving liver function markers without increased complications. The intervention shows particular benefit in NEC patients, supporting its use as a safe strategy to enhance bowel adaptation before reanastomosis.