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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

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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.

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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

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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
In case of an emergency, CALL 911.