INTRA-UTERINE INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION FROM INSPISSATED AND IMPACTED MECONIUM

Abstract

REPORT OF CASE Baby W. was born in the Nursery and Child's Hospital after normal labor. She was normal except for her abdomen which, instead of being scapoid, was slightly distended. At the time no significance was attached to this. Twenty-four hours later it was reported that the baby had not passed meconium. Her temperature was 97 F. Examination revealed a slightly rounded abdomen, discolored in the upper portion. No masses could be felt, though there was an indefinite resistance in the right upper quadrant. The rectum was empty. Through a small Kelly cystoscope in the rectum, a small dimple was seen about 1 inch above the anus. A small amount of sebaceous material exuded from time to time through this opening. There was considerable straining against the cystoscope. The following morning the temperature had risen to 102 F. The abdomen was tense and much more swollen, and the baby's