Overview
Pyloric stenosis is a condition in which the stomach muscle pylorus gets thickened or narrowed. This prevents the food from entering the small intestine and makes digestion difficult. It is not present at the time of birth but can develop when the baby gets 2 to 8 weeks old.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of pyloric stenosis can appear within three to five weeks after birth. They may include:
Frequent Vomiting
Dehydration
Abdominal Pain
Weight Loss
Causes
The most common causes of pyloric stenosis include:
- Family History
- Premature Birth
- Early Antibiotic Use
Diagnosis
Other than regular physical examination, a doctor may require to perform some tests to determine the best way of treatment. The tests may include:
X-Ray
Ultrasound
Blood Tests
When to See a Doctor
Make an appointment right away if any worrisome symptoms appear.
- Sudden/Rapid Abdominal Pain
- High Fevers with Chills
- Yellow Skin and Eyes (Jaundice)
Treatment
Surgery is required to treat pyloric stenosis. The procedure (pyloromyotomy) is performed using the latest laparoscopic or keyhole technique by our expert surgeons. It is a minimally invasive surgery that is done by making a small incision near the baby’s navel to clear the channel for food to easily pass through the small intestine. The recovery is quicker than traditional surgery and it leaves almost no scar.
Surgeons at Curadors have successfully performed several such procedures over a period of 15 years. Our partnered facility, Maroof International Hospital has state-of-the-art operation theaters equipped with the world’s most advanced equipment to provide the best quality treatment to our patients.
Risks, Complications & Preventions
Children with pyloric stenosis are at a higher risk of being malnourished and dehydrated. If you have a family history of pyloric stenosis, make sure to discuss this with your doctor during prenatal checkups. Avoid administering antibiotics to infants and breastfeed your baby instead of bottle feed.
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Dr. Faisal Murad
Chief of Surgery & Laparoscopic Surgery
M.B.B.S., MCPS, FCPS (Surgery), Fellowship Telemedicine
Dr. Mustafa Javed
Orthopedic Surgery
BSc, MBBS, MRCS (Edinburgh, UK), FRCS, Trauma & Orthopedics (Edinburgh, UK), CCT (Yorkshire, UK)