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Pediatric pyloric stenosis (py·lo·ric - ste·no·sis) is a condition resulting in obstruction of the stomach. The pylorus is a muscle that opens allowing undigested food to exit the stomach and pass into the small intestine.
214-456-6040
Fax: 214-456-6320
469-497-2501
Fax: 469-497-2507
469-488-7000
Fax: 469-488-7001
469-303-5000
Fax: 214-867-9511
In pyloric stenosis, this muscle thickens causing the obstruction.
Babies usually develop problems from pyloric stenosis before they are six months old.
When a baby eats but cannot digest the food past the stomach, the baby vomits. Because the baby cannot absorb the food he stays hungry and wants more food.
When the baby eats again, the vomiting is repeated. Sometimes it becomes very forceful (projectile vomiting).
When suspected, pyloric stenosis is diagnosed by history and a physical examination. The diagnosis is confirmed by an ultrasound.
Boys are more likely to have pyloric stenosis than girls, and genetics probably play a role in the disease, but no one knows exactly what causes it.
It is important to repair the pylorus before complications occur. Before surgery, doctors and surgeons treat the baby with fluids to ensure the baby is rehydrated and healthy and ready for the procedure.
Surgeons will usually perform a pyloromyotomy, which is a procedure that widens or divide the pyloric muscle. By dividing the thickened muscle, the pylorus can then reopen allowing food to pass from the stomach into the intestine.