Which of the following are typical causes of neonatal intestinal obstruction?

b. Meconium ileus

c. Hirschprung’s disease

e. Incarcerated hernia

Neonatal bowel obstruction is defined as intestinal obstruction developing in the first 30 days of life. The cardinal manifestation is bilious vomiting often in conjunction with abdominal distention. Meconium ileus and Hirschprung’s disease are classical causes of neonatal intestinal obstruction outlined in the table. Incarcerated inguinal hernias are the most common cause of neonatal intestinal obstruction. Hernias usually do not present a diagnostic dilemma, as simple inspection of the groin yields an obvious diagnosis. Intussusception, while a cause of distal bowel obstruction in infants, does not usually become a consideration until at least 3 to 6 months of age. Intestinal obstruction related to Meckel’s diverticulum is generally related to either intussusception or volvulus associated with a band from the Meckel’s diverticulum to the abdominal wall. Both of these events tend to occur later than the neonatal period.