Optimum therapeutic strategy for meconium-related ileus in very-low-birth-weight infants

Study of 42 VLBW infants with meconium-related ileus demonstrates that successful Gastrografin regurgitation into dilated bowel predicts conservative management success, while failure to achieve regurgitation correlates with 57% laparotomy rate and higher perforation risk. Early diagnostic enema followed by prompt surgical intervention when indicated optimizes outcomes in this high-risk population.