Pyloric stenosis is an enlargement of the pylorus (the muscle at the entrance to the stomach) that blocks movement of food into the stomach. Almost all cases of pyloric stenosis happen in very young babies (usually 3-12 weeks old). This problem happens about 2-4 times out of every 1,000 births. It is much more common in males than in females. The sooner pyloric stenosis is treated, the fewer problems will result and the healthier your baby will be, so if you think your child has this condition, contact your doctor immediately.

Causes

Pyloric stenosis is rarely present at birth, but develops soon afterward. Its exact cause is unknown, but it is believed to be partly inherited, as cases of pyloric stenosis tend to run in families.

Risk Factors

The following factors increase your baby’s chance of developing pyloric stenosis. If your child has any of these risk factors, tell your doctor.

• Prematurity

• Family history of pyloric stenosis

• More common in male babies (particularly first-born males)

• More common in Caucasian than in Latino, Asian, or African-American babies

Symptoms

Symptoms of pyloric stenosis usually begin when babies are 3-5 weeks old. They include:

• Forceful vomiting of formula or milk

• Acting hungry most of the time

• Weight loss

• Signs of dehydration, such as less urination, dry mouth, and crying without tears

• Tiredness

• Fewer bowel movements

• Blood-tinged vomit (this happens when repeated vomiting irritates the stomach, causing mild stomach bleeding)

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about symptoms your child is experiencing and about his or her medical history. He or she will also perform a physical examination. An olive-shaped knot caused by the presence of pyloric stenosis is often felt by the experienced examiner. If your baby is diagnosed with pyloric stenosis, you and your family will be referred to a pediatric surgeon (a doctor specializing in surgery in children).

Tests may include the following:

• Abdominal Ultrasound–a procedure that uses sound waves to make detailed computer pictures of the inside of the abdomen

• Barium Upper Gastrointestinal X-ray Series–a medicine (barium) is swallowed to outline the esophagus and stomach. X-ray pictures of the abdomen can then tell if food is moving normally through the stomach.

Treatment

Pyloric stenosis is treated with a surgery called a pyloromyotomy, with your baby asleep under anesthesia. In a pyloromyotomy, the outside of the pylorus muscle is cut to relieve the blockage. Prior to surgery, fluids and electrolytes will be given intravenously to correct the dehydration and electrolyte imbalances that are common in babies with pyloric stenosis. After the operation, fluids are given by vein until the baby can take all of his or her normal feedings by mouth.

Prevention

There are no known ways of preventing pyloric stenosis, although it is possible that breastfeeding might reduce the risk.

RESOURCES:

American Association of Pediatrics
http://www.aap.org

The American Pediatric Surgical Association
http://www.eapsa.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Caring for Kids, The Canadian Paediatric Society
http://www.caringforkids.cps.ca

The Montreal Children's Hospital
http://www.thechildren.com

References:

Hernanz-Schulman M. Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. Isr Med Assoc J. 2004;6:160-161.

Kim SS, Lau ST, Lee SL, et al. Pyloromyotomy: a comparison of laparoscopic, circumumbilical, and right upper quadrant operative techniques. J Am Coll Surg. 2005;201:66-70.

Pisacane A, de Luca U, Criscuolo L, et al. Breastfeeding and hypertrophic pyloric stenosis: population-based case-control study. BMJ. 1996;312:745-746.

White JS, Clements WD, Heggarty P, et al. Treatment of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis in a district general hospital: a review of 160 cases. J Pediatr Surg. 2003;38:1333-1336.