Pyloric Stenosis

Pyloric stenosis, also known as infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS), is the most common cause of intestinal obstruction in infancy. IHPS occurs secondary to hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the muscular layers of the pylorus, causing a functional gastric outlet obstruction.

Symptoms-Symptoms of pyloric stenosis usually appear within 3 to 5 weeks after birth. Pyloric stenosis is rare in babies older than 3 months.

Vomiting after feeding-non billious.

Persistent hunger.

Stomach contractions.

Dehydration.

Changes in bowel movements.

Weight problems.

Investigation -

Blood tests to check for dehydration or electrolyte imbalance or both.

Ultrasound  is the gold standards to view the pylorus and confirm a diagnosis of pyloric stenosis.

X-rays of your baby's digestive system, if results of the ultrasound aren't clear.

Surgery is needed to treat pyloric stenosis. The procedure, called a ramstedt pyloromyotomy in which pylorus muscle is cut and opened-up after correcting dehydration and electrolytes.