Meconium peritonitis following intestinal atresia: A case report

Abstract Meconium peritonitis is a sterile chemical peritonitis, which frequently occurs after intestinal perforation in utero. Overall mortality rates have drastically decreased with earlier prenatal diagnosis and improved perinatal care. However, perinatal surgical management of meconium peritonitis is largely dependent on individual surgeon experience. We present a case of meconium peritonitis with emergent cesarean section delivery after the patient developed massive meconium ascites, hydrops fetalis, and non-reassuring fetal monitoring. In the immediate post-natal period, the patient was intubated and a peritoneal drain was placed for respiratory and hemodynamic stabilization. He was then taken to the operating room the following day for laparotomy and bowel resection. His post-operative course was uneventful, and he was discharged home in good clinical condition.