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Pyloric Stenosis
What is pyloric stenosis?
Pyloric stenosis is present when the muscle connecting the stomach to the intestine grows too large and thick. This muscle is called the pyloric muscle. As this muscle gets thicker, it keeps food from being able to pass from the stomach into the intestine.
Who gets pyloric stenosis?
Infants between 1-2 months of age. It occurs more frequently in boys than in girls.
What are the symptoms?
Babies with pyloric stenosis begin to spit up after most feedings. No amount of burping or change of formula makes it better. As the pyloric muscle becomes thicker, the vomiting becomes more forceful and frequent and the baby can’t keep any food down. If left untreated weight loss and dehydration develop.
How is the decision made that surgery is needed?
This decision is based upon history, physical exam, and X-Ray studies.
What can I expect from surgery?
General anesthesia is used to put your baby to sleep during surgery. A cut is made into the pyloric muscle to relax it and allow food to easily pass from the stomach into the intestine.
When will my child be able to go home?
Your baby will be able to go home when able to take oral feedings. The amount of your baby’s feedings will be slowly increased. It is not uncommon for babies to continue to have occasional episodes of vomiting after feedings.
What care is needed at home after surgery?
- Care of the incision: Keep the incision clean and dry.
- Activity limitations: There are no activity restrictions.
- Diet: your baby may resume a regular feeding schedule.
- Bathing: You may sponge bathe your baby at home
- Medication: Your child may need medicine for pain control for a few days after surgery. Follow the directions your surgeon gives you.
What should I call the doctor’s office for?
Call your doctor if there is redness or drainage around the incision, fever, persistent vomiting, a decrease in urine or stool output, weakness, or increased fussiness not relieved by pain medication.
When should we see the doctor after discharge?
A follow up with your baby’s primary care provider should be scheduled within a few
days after discharge. A follow up appointment with your baby’s surgeon should be scheduled within 1-2 weeks after surgery.
What are the long term consequences? Will this affect growth and development?
Infants who have had the operation are usually fine after surgery. They eat well, gain weight and develop normally.
Please reproduce and distribute this sheet to your surgery families. This teaching sheet can also be downloaded at www.APSNA.org.
Copyright 2006, Kim O’Dowd,. Copied with permission by Jones and Bartlett Publishers, Sudbury, MA."