Pyloroplasty—Child
(Pyloric Stenosis Repair; Pyloromyotomy)
Pronounced: py-LOR-oh-plah-stee, py-LOR-ik stuh-NOH-sis, py-LOR-oh-MY-ah-ta-me
Definition
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 the sphincter.
Pyloric Sphincter—Pyloroplasty
Reasons for Procedure
The pylorus sphincter can become narrowed. The condition is called pyloric stenosis . It can cause severe symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and dehydration . Children can develop pyloric stenosis early in life, often by the age of 12 weeks. Pyloric stenosis is a serious condition. Pyloroplasty is often necessary to treat it.
Possible Complications
Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If your child is planning to have a pyloroplasty, the doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Damage to intestines
- Hernia formation at the incision site
- Chronic diarrhea
Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:
- Bleeding disorders
- Prior surgeries in the abdomen
- Malnutrition, or dehydration
- Heart or lung conditions
What to Expect
Prior to Procedure
Make sure your child does not eat or drink anything before the surgery as directed by your doctor.
Anesthesia
The surgery will be done using general anesthesia . Your child will be in a deep sleep.
Description of Procedure
An incision will be made in the upper part of the abdomen. The pylorus will be exposed.
The doctor will then 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.
Immediately After Procedure
After the surgery, your child will be monitored in a recovery area for about 1-2 hours.
How Long Will It Take?
About 1-2 hours
How Much Will It Hurt?
Anesthesia will block pain during the procedure. After the surgery, your child will feel pain. She will receive medicine to relieve the pain.
Average Hospital Stay
The usual length of stay is 1-3 days. The doctor may choose to keep your child longer if complications arise.
Post-procedure Care
During your child's hospital stay, she will gradually return to a normal diet. Before your child goes home, a nurse will teach you how to take care of her surgical incision.
Be sure to follow the doctor's instructions.
Call Your Doctor
After your child leaves the hospital, contact the doctor if any of the following occurs:
- Signs of infection, including fever and chills
- Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or any discharge from the incision site
- Nausea and/or vomiting that your child cannot control with the medicines given
- Pain that your child cannot control with the medicines given
- Cough or shortness of breath
- Severe abdominal pain or vomiting blood
- Dark-colored, tarry stools or blood in the stool
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.
Copyright © 2007 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.