Preoperative management and postoperative outcomes in abdominal surgery of the neonate A multidisciplinary approach of congenital duodenal obstruction, necrotizing enterocolitis and iodinated contrast induced hypothyroidism

Abdominal surgery of neonates with (congenital) gastrointestinal diseases is complex and requires a multidisciplinary approach to improve outcomes in this vulnerable group of patients. This thesis focusses on three different areas in abdominal surgery of neonates. First, congenital duodenal obstruction, where prenatal detection, associated anomalies, and long-term outcomes play a crucial role in pre- and postoperative care. Second, necrotizing enterocolitis, a severe gastrointestinal disease primarily affecting preterm and low birthweight infants characterized by high mortality and morbidity. Moreover there is a lack on a definition of necrotizing enterocolitis totalis. Finally, a serious complication of contrast-induced hypothyroidism after administration of iodinated enteral contrast media is described. By addressing these three different topics in abdominal surgery of the neonate, this thesis aims to improve the preoperative management and postoperative outcomes of abdominal surgery of the neonate.