Pyloric stenosis is a narrowing of the pylorus, the opening from the stomach into the small intestine.
Normally, food passes easily from the stomach into the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine) through a valve called the pylorus. In pyloric stenosis, the muscles of the pylorus are thickened. This thickening prevents the stomach from emptying into the small intestine.
The cause of the thickening is unknown, although genetic factors may play a role. Children of parents who had pyloric stenosis are more likely to have this problem.
Pyloric stenosis occurs more often in boys than in girls, and is rare in children older than 6 months. The condition is usually diagnosed by the time a child is 6 months old.
Vomiting is the first symptom in most children:
Other symptoms generally appear several weeks after birth and may include:
The condition is usually diagnosed before the baby is 6 months old.
A physical exam may reveal signs of dehydration. The infant may have a swollen belly. The doctor may detect the abnormal pylorus, which feels like an olive-shaped mass, when touching the stomach area.
An ultrasound of the abdomen may be the first imaging test performed. Other tests that may be done include:
Treatment for pyloric stenosis involves surgery (called a pyloromyotomy) to split the overdeveloped muscles.
Balloon dilation does not work as well as surgery, but may be considered for infants when the risk of general anesthesia is high.
The patient will be given fluids through a vein, usually before surgery.
Surgery usually provides complete relief of symptoms. The infant can usually tolerate small, frequent feedings several hours after surgery.
Call your health care provider if your baby has symptoms of this condition.
Congenital hypertrophic pyloric stenosis; Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis; Gastric outlet obstruction