children s health issues
Meconium Ileus
Complications of meconium ileus
Meconium ileus is sometimes complicated by Perforation of the small intestine Twisting of the intestine on itself The small intestine can perforate or tear because it is very distended or because the dilated small intestine has twisted on itself ( Intestinal Obstruction ), which blocks the intestine's blood supply. Perforation of the Digestive Tract is a dangerous condition because it causes meconium to leak into the abdominal cavity. If perforation occurs before birth, the affected part of the small intestine may be shrunken and narrow (intestinal atresia), which may require surgery after birth. If perforation occurs after birth, leakage of meconium causes inflammation and infection ( 