Preoperative Characteristics and Outcomes of Neonates Undergoing Surgical Procedures in the NICU

This retrospective observational study evaluates neonates who underwent surgical procedures during admission to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The study aims to investigate the relationship between preoperative clinical characteristics and postoperative respiratory support requirements and clinical outcomes. Preoperative characteristics include gestational age, birth weight, need for invasive mechanical ventilation, sepsis, and inotropic support. Postoperative respiratory outcomes include the need for and duration of invasive and non-invasive mechanical ventilation. Changes in selected hematological, renal, and liver function parameters before and after surgery are also evaluated. The study further examines whether prolonged postoperative invasive mechanical ventilation is associated with clinical outcomes, including length of hospital stay, nutritional support, postoperative complications, and mortality. All data are obtained retrospectively from existing medical records, and no intervention is performed as part of the study.

Inclusion Criteria: * Neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) during the study period. * Neonates who underwent at least one surgical procedure during NICU hospitalization. * Availability of preoperative clinical data, including respiratory support status. * Availability of postoperative respiratory support and clinical outcome data. * Availability of sufficient medical records for retrospective evaluation. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients who did not undergo a surgical procedure during NICU hospitalization. * Patients with insufficient or incomplete medical records to evaluate preoperative clinical characteristics or postoperative respiratory outcomes. * Patients who underwent procedures outside the predefined study period. * Patients transferred to another center before postoperative outcomes could be adequately assessed.