Current Status (1999) of Neonatal Surgery in Korea: Survey among the members of Korean Association of Pediatric Surgeons

Kim, W K; Kim, S Y; Kim, S K; Kim, I K; Kim, J C; Kim, H H; Park, K W; Park, W H; Song, Y T; Oh, S M; Yoo, Y S; Lee, D S; Lee, M D; Lee, S K; Lee, S C; Seo, J M; Chung, S Y; Jung, S E; Chung, U S; Jung, P M; Cho, M H; Choi, K J; Choi, S O; Han, S J; Huh, Y S; Hong, J; Hwang, E H

Abstract

To understand the current status of neonatal surgery in Korea, a survey was made among the 36 members of the Korean Association of Pediatric Surgeons. The response rate was 75% (26 surgeons in 20 hospitals). Five hundred fifty three neonatal surgical patients treated in 1999 were analyzed. Regional numbers of patients were closely related to the regional population in most areas. Ano-rectal malformations (17%), pyloric stenosis (16%), Hirschsprung's disease (13%), atresia/stenosis of the gut (11%), esophageal atresia (8%) were the most common anomalies treated. The majority of operations were done within the first week of life. Seventy one per cent of cases were major life threatening or so-called neonatal index cases. Over-all mortality was 8 per cent. Higher mortality was observed in patients with diaphragmatic hernia (26%), gastro-intestinal perforation (18%), NEC (18%), and esophageal atresia(14%). Higher mortality was observed in patients with extremely low birth weight (33%) and low birth weight (18%). Associated anomalies were observed in 20%. Prenatal ultrasound was performed in 36 per cent with sensitivity of 20%. Result of this study was compared to the previous report (1994) and that of Japan (1998).