Aim: The aim of this study was to assure a cost effective method maintaining a progressive weight gain and providing early nutrition in the form of colon feed through a feeding tube in Santulli procedure to the neonate.

Materials and Methods: An observational study over 7 years in a single center. Out of 52 patients who underwent Santulli procedure for congenital intestinal atresia or refractory meconium ileus, 12 were excluded and the remaining were divided into 2 groups; Case 1 included 20 patients with colon feeding tube; Case 2 included 20 patients without colon feeding tube. A control group of 20 patients was formed and compared with Case 1 and Case 2. Progressive weight gain was assessed in all the three groups. Human breast milk (HBM) was used for feeding in addition to oral rehydration solution replacement per grams to weight of stoma output and zinc 1 ml/kg, iron 1 ml, and medium chain triglyceride oil 1–2 mg/ kg per day. Statistical significance was found on day 4/5 (P = 0.0174). Statistical differences were consistent from day 35 onward. All the group showed statistically highly significant values (P<0.0001) from Day 2 onwards. Case 2 showed lower mean values as compared to Case 1 and control while Case 1 maintained higher values than control. Institutional ethical committee approval was taken.

Conclusion: Colon enteral feeding is a cost effective method with the use of HBM, enhancing both early adaptation of neonatal intestine, promoting catch up growth and immunity.

Hinglaj Saha is a paediatric and neonatal surgeon from Kolkata, West Bengal which is in the eastern part of India. He has specialised in the field of gastrointestinal surgery particularly neonatal cases and has experience of 10 years in the field. Currently he is working as assistant professor in the department of paediatric surgery, Nilratan Sircar Medical College and Hospital Kolkata. His innovative work on clinicopathological study in neonatal jejunoileal atresia found attention in Journal of Pediatric Surgery. Apart from the busy schedule in the hospital he gained experience on colon feeding thru a distal feeding tube as an early intervention to increase the weight of the baby and help them to survive that underwent major resection and anastomosis.