Cystic fibrosis is one of the most common inheritable traits in Caucasians. Meconium
ileus and its potential complications are the most likely reasons that these patients
will need surgical care. Surgical intervention is usually needed in the neonatal period
but may also be required later in life. This article discusses the various ways cystic
fibrosis can affect the gastrointestinal tract. Both the operative and nonoperative
management of complicated and uncomplicated meconium ileus are discussed in the neonatal
period as well as long-term issues, such as distal intestinal obstructive syndrome,
fibrosing colonopathy, and rectal prolapse, all of which may be seen in older children
and adults.
Keywords
meconium ileus - cystic fibrosis - cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator
- distal intestinal obstruction syndrome - epithelial sodium channels - fibrosing
colonopathy - rectal prolapse - newborn intestinal obstruction
