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Pyloroplasty—Child

(Pyloric Stenosis Repair; Pyloromyotomy)

Definition

The pylorus is the opening between the stomach and the intestines. A pyloroplasty is a surgery to make the pylorus opening wider.

Pyloric Sphincter—Pyloroplasty

Reasons for Procedure

The pylorus opens and closes to allow food to pass to the intestines. Certain conditions can make this area thicker. This change can make it difficult for food to pass. The condition is called pyloric stenosis . It can cause severe symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and dehydration .

Pyloroplasty is done to widen the opening. It can treat this condition.

Possible Complications

Complications are rare. However, no procedure is completely free of risk. Your child's 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:

Current 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. Follow the specific directions given by your doctor.

Anesthesia

General anesthesia will be used. Your child will be in a deep sleep.

Description of Procedure

The anesthesia will be given. Once your child is asleep, an incision will be made in the abdomen. A cut will be made in the muscle of the pylorus. The pylorus will then be sewn back together in a wider shape.

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 for about 1-2 hours.

How Long Will It Take?

The surgery will 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. Medication will be given to help manage the pain.

Average Hospital Stay

The usual length of stay is 1-3 days. The doctor may choose to keep your child longer if there are complications.

Post-procedure Care

A normal diet will be gradually introduced during the hospital stay. Before your child goes home, a nurse will teach you how to take care of her surgical incision . Ask your doctor about when it is safe for your child to shower, bathe, or soak in water.

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

In case of an emergency, call for medical help right away.

RESOURCES

American Gastroenterological Association http://www.gastro.org

Familydoctor.org, American Academy of Family Physicians http://familydoctor.org

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.

Revision Information

Reviewer: Michael Woods, MD
Review Date: 11/2012 -
Update Date: 11/26/2012 -

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

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