STAT trial: stoma or intestinal anastomosis for necrotizing enterocolitis: a multicentre randomized controlled trial

The STAT trial was a randomized controlled trial in 12 centers worldwide.

The STAT trial looked at newborns who underwent laparotomy for necrotizing enterocolitis requiring intestinal resection from 2010 to 2020.

Infants were randomized to two surgical approaches: either anastomosis or stoma formation.

Infants undergoing primary anastomosis had a significantly less duration of requiring parenteral nutrition compared to those with stoma formation.

There was no difference in mortality between primary anastomosis and stoma formation groups.

There was no difference in unplanned surgeries between primary anastomosis and stoma formation groups.

Primary anastomosis is superior for enhancing recovery from necrotizing enterocolitis in infants and does not increase adverse outcomes.