A meconium plug is an important, but easily treatable cause of neonatal constipation. The plug has a very low water content, and is removed by irrigation with isotonic sodium chloride solution or, in some cases with contrast medium used in the radiological diagnosis - for example Gastrograffin.
After removal of the plug the neonate should be very closely observed for signs of complications, such as perforation, giving rise to meconium peritonitis.
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