Pronounced: py-LOR-oh-plah-stee, py-LOR-ik stuh-NOH-sis, py-LOR-oh-MY-ah-ta-me
Pyloroplasty is a surgery to correct a narrowing of the pyloric sphincter. The pylorus is a muscular area that forms a channel between the stomach and intestine. Normally, food passes easily from the stomach into the intestine through this sphincter.
The pylorus sphincter can become narrowed. The condition is called pyloric stenosis . It can cause severe symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and dehydration . Narrowing of the pylorus can be caused by scarring from ulcers. It can also be caused by a mass, such as cancer.
Pyloric stenosis is a serious condition. Pyloroplasty is often necessary to treat it.
Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have pyloroplasty, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:
Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:
Your surgery will be done using general anesthesia . You will be in a deep sleep.
An incision will be made in the upper part of your abdomen. The pylorus will be exposed. Your doctor will cut through the pyloric muscle. The sphincter will be sewn back together in a way that will make the opening wider. The abdominal muscles will be sewn back together. The skin will be closed with stitches or staples.
If your pyloroplasty is done because you have an ulcer, other procedures may be done at the same time.
After the surgery, you will be monitored in a recovery area for about 1-2 hours.
About 1-2 hours
Anesthesia will block pain during the procedure. After the surgery, you will feel pain. You will receive medicine to relieve pain.
The usual length of stay is 1-3 days. Your doctor may choose to keep you longer if complications arise.
During your hospital stay, you will gradually return to a normal diet. Before you go home, a nurse will teach you how to take care of your surgical incision. Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions.
After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:
RESOURCES:
American Gastroenterological Association
http://www.gastro.org/
Familydoctor.org, American Academy of Family Physicians
http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home.html
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Medical Association Journal
http://www.cmaj.ca
References:
Feldman M. Sleisenger and Fordtran’s Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders; 2002.
Khatri VP, Asensio JA. Operative Surgery Manual. 1st ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders; 2003.
Townsend CM. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 17th ed. St. Louis, MO: WB Saunders; 2004.
Yamada T. Textbook of Gastroenterology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott, Williams, and Wilkins; 2003.
Last reviewed November 2009 by Daus Mahnke, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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