Meconium peritonitis and pleuritis: a clue to perforation of an incarcerated Bochdalek hernia in a neonate.

The case of a neonate presenting with respiratory distress who had an incarcerated Bochdalek hernia with perforation and meconium peritonitis and pleuritis is reported. The patient had an associated jejunal atresia in an incarcerated segment of intestine, which undoubtedly contributed to the obstruction, strangulation, and perforation in the incarcerated hernia. Gastrointestinal complications attributable to the hernia are most unusual in the neonate, and aggressive preoperative resuscitation and stabilization with the earliest possible surgical intervention are imperative features in management.