Paediatric surgery mnemonic

Causes of bilious vomiting in a newborn

The mnemonic

Malrotation, Atresia, Hirschsprung's, NEC

What each word stands for

  • MalrotationMidgut volvulus, a surgical emergency
  • AtresiaDuodenal, jejunal or ileal atresia
  • Hirschsprung'sDistal functional obstruction from absent ganglion cells
  • NECNecrotising enterocolitis in premature infants

Why it matters clinically

Bilious vomiting in a neonate is a surgical emergency until proven otherwise.

Where it stops being reliable

A list of causes only; it does not give the investigation or the order of work-up.

Teaching aid, still awaiting independent review. Confirm facts in a standard source.

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the Paediatric surgery mnemonic?

Malrotation, Atresia, Hirschsprung's, NEC. It helps you recall: Causes of bilious vomiting in a newborn.

What does "Malrotation" stand for?

Midgut volvulus, a surgical emergency

What does "Atresia" stand for?

Duodenal, jejunal or ileal atresia

What does "Hirschsprung's" stand for?

Distal functional obstruction from absent ganglion cells

What are all the parts of the Malrotation, Atresia, Hirschsprung's, NEC mnemonic?

Malrotation: Midgut volvulus, a surgical emergency; Atresia: Duodenal, jejunal or ileal atresia; Hirschsprung's: Distal functional obstruction from absent ganglion cells; NEC: Necrotising enterocolitis in premature infants.

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to Paediatric surgery in General Surgery.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

A list of causes only; it does not give the investigation or the order of work-up.

How is this useful clinically?

Bilious vomiting in a neonate is a surgical emergency until proven otherwise.

How do I make this mnemonic stick?

Say it aloud, write it from memory tomorrow, then again in a week. Then test yourself on a General Surgery question about Paediatric surgery.

Is this a standard mnemonic?

It is a teaching aid written or adapted by our team. Some resemble ones students share informally. Check any fact that matters in a standard source.