Comparison: Premature neonates weighing less than 1500 grams at birth who develop perforated necrotizing enterocolitis are randomized within two birth weight blocks (<1000 gms and 1000 - 1499 gms) for treatment with either laparotomy or primary peritoneal drainage. Daily postoperative clinical care is kept uniform between the two groups by means of a critical care pathway. The primary outcome variable is mortality, i.e. death within 90 days of intervention. The main secondary outcome is short bowel syndrome - defined as the need for chronic parenteral nutrition greater than 3 months following operation.