Diagnosis of Meconium Ileus

If your child experiences the symptoms of meconium ileus, their doctor will order an X-ray. This test will check for the presence of meconium in your child’s intestines.

Treatments for Meconium Ileus

If your baby has meconium ileus, they will likely need these treatments:

• Feeding through an intravenous (IV) line. Your child may only be fed after treatment, either via a feeding tube or by mouth.
• Placing a nasogastric (NG) tube. An NG tube will run from your baby’s nose to their stomach. This tube will help remove excess air and fluid.
• Contrast study. Your child may have contrast (dye) placed into their anus to evaluate with radiographic pictures to either help release the meconium or determine the cause of their constipation.
• Medications. Your child’s doctor will prescribe medications designed to break up the meconium, so your child can pass it.
• Surgery. If medications and studies do not help your child pass the meconium, they will need surgery to further evaluate and treat their problem. During the surgery, a pouch (ileostomy bag) may connect to your baby’s intestine. This bag will collect stool outside their body. After surgery, your baby will temporarily spend time in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to recover and ensure their intestines are working properly.

Home remedies

Before leaving the NICU, you will learn how to care for your baby’s ileostomy bag. Your baby’s doctor may prescribe medicine to prevent infection. Your baby may also need an over-the-counter pain reliever – such as infant Tylenol – to help manage discomfort and pain. One week after surgery, you can give your baby a tub bath.