Skip navigation | ||
|
||
Medical Encyclopedia |
|
Other encyclopedia topics: | A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9 |
Contents of this page: | |
|
|
|
|
Alternative names Return to top
Congenital hypertrophic pyloric stenosis; Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis; Gastric outlet obstructionDefinition Return to top
Pyloric stenosis is a narrowing of the outlet from the stomach to the small intestine (called the pylorus). The condition primarily occurs in infants.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
This condition is caused by a thickening of the muscles of the pylorus. This prevents the stomach from emptying into the small intestine.
The cause of the thickening is unknown, although genetic factors may play a role. It occurs more commonly in boys than in girls and is rare in patients older than 6 months.
Approximately 2 to 3 of every 1,000 infants has pyloric stenosis.
Symptoms Return to top
Symptoms generally appear several weeks after birth:
Signs and tests Return to top
Physical examination may show signs of dehydration. The infant may have a distended abdomen. Palpation of the abdomen may reveal the abnormal pylorus, which feels like an olive-shaped mass.Treatment Return to top
Treatment for pyloric stenosis involves surgery to split the overdeveloped muscles 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.
Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
Surgical repair usually provides complete relief of symptoms.
Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if symptoms suggestive of pyloric stenosis develop in your infant. Update Date: 6/18/2004 Updated by: A.D.A.M. Editorial and Jonathan Fanaroff, M.D., Department of Pediatrics, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (12/30/2002).
Home | Health Topics | Drug Information | Encyclopedia | Dictionary | News | Directories | Other Resources | |
Copyright | Privacy | Accessibility | Selection Guidelines U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894 National Institutes of Health | Department of Health & Human Services |
Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |