Evidence based neonatal surgery

Surgical intervention has, quite rightly, a well-established role in the management of a number of congenital and acquired neonatal conditions. Surgical approaches have been developed over a period of time, from the initial endeavours of pioneering neonatal surgeons, to the procedures commonly in everyday use today. Such development has been predominantly a result of necessity, learning from past experience and translation of techniques in use in other surgical fields into neonatal surgery. As neonatal surgical experience has grown, surgeons have begun to develop alternatives to what were once thought to be traditional techniques such that for a number of conditions we now have the luxury of choice in the treatment of these often fragile infants. With choice, there comes a dilemma. Which approach should be used? How should we make the decision

Small Bowel Congenital Anomalies: a Review and Update

The small intestine is a complex organ system that is vital to the life of the individual. There are a number of congenital anomalies that occur and present most commonly in infancy; however, some may not present until adulthood. Most congenital anomalies of the small intestine will present with obstructive symptoms while some may present with vomiting, abdominal pain, and/or gastrointestinal bleeding. Various radiologic procedures can aid in the diagnosis of these lesions that vary depending on the particular anomaly. Definitive therapy for these congenial anomalies is surgical, and in some cases, surgery needs to be performed urgently. The overall prognosis of congenital anomalies of the small intestine is very good and has improved with improved medical management and the advent of newer surgical modalities. The congenital anomalies of the small intestine reviewed in this article include malrotation, Meckel\u27s diverticulum, duodenal web, duodenal atresia, jejunoileal atresia, and duplications