Combined obstetric and pediatric approach to prevent meconium aspiration syndrome.

Routine intrapartum pharyngeal suctioning with a DeLee catheter of infants with meconium staining has significantly reduced the incidence and severity of meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS). There have been no adverse sequelae to this procedure, which is carried out while the infant's head is on the perineum, prior to the onset of respirations. Routine suctioning of the trachea under direct vision after delivery is rarely necessary but should be done if meconium is visualized at the vocal cords. Tracheobronchial lavage with saline may add to the respiratory morbidity. No deaths or severe cases of MAS have occurred since institution of the obstetric suctioning procedure.