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Pyloric stenosis

Definition

Pyloric stenosis is a narrowing of the pylorus, the opening from the stomach into the small intestine.

Alternative Names

Congenital hypertrophic pyloric stenosis; Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis; Gastric outlet obstruction

Causes

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.

Symptoms

Vomiting is the first symptom in most children:

  • Vomiting may occur after every feeding or only after some feedings
  • Vomiting usually starts around 3 weeks of age, but may start any time between 1 week and 5 months of age
  • Vomiting is forceful (projectile vomiting)
  • The infant is hungry after vomiting and wants to feed again

Other symptoms generally appear several weeks after birth and may include:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Belching
  • Constant hunger
  • Dehydration (gets worse with the severity of the vomiting)
  • Failure to gain weight or weight loss
  • Wave-like motion of the abdomen shortly after feeding and just before vomiting occurs

Exams and Tests

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:

  • Barium x-ray -- reveals a swollen stomach and narrowed pylorus
  • Blood chemistry panel -- often reveals an electrolyte imbalance

Treatment

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.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Surgery usually provides complete relief of symptoms. The infant can usually tolerate small, frequent feedings several hours after surgery.

Possible Complications

  • Vomiting after surgery -- this is very common and generally improves with time
  • Failure to gain weight in the newborn period
  • Risks associated with any surgery, which include:
    • Bleeding
    • Infection

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if your baby has symptoms of this condition.

References

Wyllie R. Pyloric stenosis and congenital anomalies of the stomach. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th Ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 326.
Review Date: 8/2/2009
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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