Pyloric stenosis

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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Pyloric stenosis
Synonyms	Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS)
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Projectile vomiting, dehydration, weight loss
Complications	Electrolyte imbalance, malnutrition
Onset	2 to 12 weeks of age
Duration	Chronic without treatment
Types	N/A
Causes	Unknown, possibly genetic and environmental factors
Risks	Male sex, family history, macrolide antibiotics
Diagnosis	Ultrasound, barium swallow
Differential diagnosis	Gastroesophageal reflux disease, intestinal atresia, metabolic disorders
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Pyloromyotomy
Medication	Atropine (rarely used)
Prognosis	Excellent with treatment
Frequency	1 to 4 per 1,000 live births
Deaths	N/A

Pyloric stenosis is a condition in which the opening between the stomach and small intestine thickens. This condition can lead to severe vomiting, dehydration, and weight loss. It is most commonly seen in infants.

Signs and Symptoms

File:Pyloric-stenosisLocal.jpg

Ultrasound image showing pyloric stenosis.

The primary symptom of pyloric stenosis is projectile vomiting, which typically occurs after feeding. Other symptoms may include:

• Dehydration
• Weight loss
• Constant hunger
• Stomach contractions

Causes

The exact cause of pyloric stenosis is unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It is more common in males than females and tends to run in families.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of pyloric stenosis is typically made through a combination of physical examination and imaging studies. An ultrasound is often used to confirm the diagnosis by showing the thickened pylorus.

Treatment

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Surgical procedure of pyloromyotomy.

The standard treatment for pyloric stenosis is a surgical procedure called pyloromyotomy. This procedure involves splitting the muscle of the pylorus to relieve the obstruction.

Surgical Procedure

File:PyloricStenosisHorizontal.jpg

Illustration of pyloric stenosis.

The pyloromyotomy can be performed as an open surgery or laparoscopically. The laparoscopic approach is less invasive and involves smaller incisions.

Prognosis

With appropriate surgical treatment, the prognosis for infants with pyloric stenosis is excellent. Most infants recover quickly and have no long-term complications.

See also

• Gastrointestinal tract
• Infant vomiting
• Dehydration