Why is this procedure done?
The opening from your stomach to the first part of your bowel is called your pylorus. It is a muscle that controls when food and stomach contents move from the stomach to the small bowel. Sometimes, this muscle may become thickened. Then, the opening is narrow and food may become trapped inside of the stomach. In adults, it may happen because of scarring from ulcers or a mass from cancer. ‚
The surgery to fix this problem is called a pyloroplasty. It is done to treat the cause of narrowing of the stomach opening. ‚
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What will the results be?
Pyloroplasty will widen the opening between the stomach and the bowel. Then, foods will be able to move through and be digested. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about: ‚
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- If you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
Your doctor will do an exam and may order: ‚
- Lab tests
- X-rays
- Drugs to clean out your stomach and bowels.
You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home. ‚
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, the staff will put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. You will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery.
- The doctor will make a cut in your belly. If the doctor is using a camera to help with the surgery, they may make 2 or 3 very small cuts. If they are not using a camera, they will make one larger cut.
- Once the doctor can see inside your belly, they will cut the muscle between your stomach and small bowel to make it wider. This allows food to leave the stomach and enter the bowel.
- Your doctor will close the cut with stitches or staples and cover it with clean bandages.
- The surgery takes 1 to 2 hours.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will go to the Recovery Room for a few hours.
- The staff will watch you closely. Your doctor may give you drugs for pain.
- You may need to stay in the hospital 1 to 3 days. Your doctor may choose to keep you longer based on your condition.
What care is needed at home?
- You can go back to your normal diet.
- Talk to your doctor about how to care for your cut site. Ask your doctor about:
- When you should change your bandages
- When you may take a bath or shower
- If you need to be careful with lifting things over 10 pounds
- When you may go back to your normal activities like work or driving
- Be sure to wash your hands before touching your wound or dressing.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- If you have stitches or staples, you will need to have them taken out. Your doctor will often want to do this in 1 to 2 weeks.
What problems could happen?
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Leaking of stomach contents
- Hernia
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚