*2.5.1 Initial medical management*

Meconium ileus cases, both simple and complicated, are approached as intestinal obstruction and as such would require urgent initial resuscitative measures. These include intravenous fluid resuscitation, nasogastric decompression, urethral catheterization for hourly urinary monitoring, multiparameter vital sign monitoring, intravenous antibiotic therapy, laboratory evaluation of full blood count, coagulation work-up, and serum electrolytes, urea, and creatinine with necessary corrections instituted. Where necessary, mechanical respiratory support is provided. Once the infant has been optimized, the decision for nonoperative or operative management is taken based on the presentation.
