Pyloromytomy
This webpage will give you information about a
pyloromyotomy. If you have any questions, you should ask your GP or
other relevant health professional.
What is pyloric stenosis?
The pyloric sphincter is the valve that controls the passage of
food from the stomach into the intestines (see figure 1). Pyloric
stenosis is caused by the muscle of the valve thickening. This
usually results in your baby vomiting soon after a feed, before the
food leaves the stomach. Often the vomiting is forceful (projectile
vomiting). Because most of the goodness from a feed is absorbed
into the body after the food leaves the stomach, your baby will
become dehydrated and lose salts. This can be life-threatening and
needs to be treated promptly.
Figure 1 - The pyloric sphincter in a baby
What are the benefits of surgery?
Your baby should be able to feed normally after a couple of
days.
Are there any alternatives to surgery?
If your baby is dehydrated, your surgeon may recommend giving
them fluid and salts using a small tube placed in a vein
(intravenous drip). However, this will not treat pyloric
stenosis.
Medication and balloon dilatation are alternatives that have
varying degrees of success.
What does the operation involve?
Your surgeon will need to stabilise your baby’s fluid and salt
levels using an intravenous drip.
The operation is performed under a general anaesthetic and
usually takes between half an hour and three-quarters of an hour.
Your surgeon will make a cut in the upper part of the abdomen or
just above the umbilicus (tummy button) so they can get to the
pyloric muscle. They will split the pyloric muscle and spread it
apart to open the passage into the intestines. The muscle will heal
on its own.
What complications can happen?
1 General complications of any operation
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Infection in the surgical wound
- Unsightly scarring
2 Specific complications of this operation
- Vomiting after the operation
- Making a hole in the lining of the stomach
- Wound dehiscence
- Developing a hernia in the wound
How soon will my baby recover?
Your surgeon will let you know when you should start to feed
your baby again. You will usually be able to take your baby home
after three to four days. Your baby should gradually return to
normal feeding. Have your baby weighed regularly to make sure they
are gaining weight. Occasionally pyloric stenosis can come
back.
Summary
Pyloric stenosis causes your baby to vomit soon after a feed
which prevents them getting goodness from their food. If left
untreated, the condition can cause dehydration and loss of salts.
This can be life-threatening and needs to be treated promptly.
Acknowledgements
Author: Mr Shailinder Singh FRCS (Paed. Surg.), Mr Simon Parsons
DM FRCS (Gen. Surg.), Mr Jonathan Sutcliffe FRCS and Miss Glynda
Preston RGN RSCN
Illustrations: Medical Illustration Copyright © 2007 Nucleus
Medical Art. All rights reserved. www.nucleusinc.com.
This document is intended for information purposes only and
should not replace advice that your relevant health professional
would give you.
Copyright © 2008 EIDO Healthcare
Limited
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