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Pyloric stenosis Causes and Risks:
In infants, this condition is caused by a thickening of the musculature of the pylorus, which stops the stomach from emptying into the duedenum and small intestine. The cause of the thickening is unknown, although genetic factors may play a role. It occurs more commonly in males than in females. Approximately 1 out of 4,000 infants is affected. Symptoms appear several weeks after birth.
Prevention:
There is no known prevention.
Symptoms:
- vomiting (usually mild at first becoming progressively more forceful within one half hour of feeding)
- infant appears constantly hungry
- diarrhea (loose green stools)
- wave-like motion of the abdomen shortly after feeding and just before vomiting occurs
- dehydration (becoming more profound with the severity of the vomiting)
- failure to gain weight or weight loss
Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:
Signs and Tests:
Physical examination may show signs of dehydration . The infant may have a distended abdomen . Palpation of the abdomen reveals an olive-shaped mass (the pylorus).
This disease may also alter the results of a chloride; urine test.
Treatment:
A surgical procedure to split the over-developed musculature of the pylorus is the treatment for this disorder. Rehydration with intravenous fluids usually takes place prior to surgery. Small, frequent feedings are usually well tolerated several hours after the surgery.
Prognosis:
The complete relief of symptoms occurs after adequate surgical repair.
Complications:
- failure to gain weight in the newborn period
- risks associated with surgery
Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call your health care provider if symptoms of pyloric stenosis develop in your infant.
This illustration shows the major organs of the digestive system. Their relative sizes and positioning in the body are also demonstrated.
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