Abdominal distension, delayed onset of bilious vomiting, and failure to pass meconium. |
Evidence: The Medline database was searched for articles published in English from 2000 to 2008 on the topic of management of meconium at birth. |
The meconium can be so thick in babies with cystic fibrosis that it blocks the intestine. |
The small bowel is of narrow caliber distal to the meconium plug and dilated proximal to the meconium plugs. |
When a Gastrografin enema is unsuccessful, laparotomy is indicated to evacuate the obstructing meconium by enterotomy irrigation. |
In fetuses, intestinal obstruction may result from the production of viscid meconium. |