The pathologic properties of meconium

Abstract

1.1. Meconium possesses a low grade toxicity and resembles bile in its pathologic properties, but produces a greater local inflammatory reaction than bile.2.2. Our findings confirm and show a definite basis for the observation that the spill containing meconium escaping into the peritoneal cavity of the mother or into the operative incision may lead to a peritonitis, to adhesions, or to delayed healing of the uterine and abdominal wound.3.3. This work emphasizes the necessity of adequate protection of all surfaces in the operative field from the contents of the amniotic sac when performing an abdominal cesarean section.