Meconium obstruction of prematurity diagnosed by exploratory laparotomy on the day of birth

Abstract

Meconium obstruction of prematurity
(MOP) is a distinct clinical condition
associated with very low birthweight
and generally causes low intestinal
obstruction. The etiology is multifactorial
and includes immature intestinal function
and dysmotility. Potential complications
are feeding difficulty, inadequate enteral
nutrition and poor growth, bowel perforation,
and unnecessary surgical procedures. It is
difficult to clinically distinguish MOP from
other causes of bowel obstructions such as
distal ileal atresia, ileal volvulus, and longsegment
Hirschsprung disease. We present
a case of MOP diagnosed by exploratory
laparotomy on the day of birth.