pediatrics
Meconium Ileus
Treatment of Meconium Ileus
Radiographic contrast enema Sometimes surgery Obstruction may be relieved in uncomplicated cases (ie, without perforation, volvulus, or atresia) by giving≥1 enema with a dilute radiographic contrast medium (eg, Gastrografin) sometimes withN-acetylcysteineunder fluoroscopy; hypertonic contrast material may cause large gastrointestinal water losses requiring IV rehydration. If the enema does not relieve the obstruction, laparotomy is required. A double-barreled ileostomy with repeatedN-acetylcysteinelavage of the proximal and distal loops is usually required to liquefy and remove the abnormal meconium. 