Why is this procedure done?
The opening from your childs stomach to the first part of the bowel is called the pylorus. It is a muscle that controls when food and stomach contents move from the stomach to the bowel. Sometimes, this muscle may become narrow and thick. Food is not able to leave the stomach to be broken down or digested. Forceful throwing up happens because there is no other way for the food to leave the stomach. This problem may be found in babies who are 3 to 12 weeks old. Sometimes, it is not found until the child is older. ‚
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 childs history. Talk to the doctor about: ‚
- All the drugs your child is 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 your child takes with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if your child is 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.
- When your child needs to stop eating or drinking before the procedure.
Your doctor will do an exam and may order: ‚
What happens during the procedure?
- Once your child is in the operating room, the staff will put an I.V. in your childs arm to give fluids and drugs. A drug will be given to make your child sleepy. It will also help your child stay pain free during the surgery.
- The doctor will make a cut in your child's 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 child's belly, they will cut the muscle between your child's stomach and small bowel to make it wider. This allows food to leave the stomach and enter the bowel.
- The 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?
- Your child will go to the Recovery Room for a few hours and then to a hospital room.
- The staff will watch your child closely. The doctor may give your child drugs for pain.
- Your child may need to stay in the hospital 1 to 3 days.
What care is needed at home?
- Your child can return to their normal diet.
- Lift your baby by supporting the bottom and head. Do not carry your baby with one arm on your side. This can put pressure on the wound and may cause pain.
- Talk to your doctor about how to care for your childs cut site. Ask your doctor about:
- When you should change your child's bandages
- When your child may take a bath or shower
- When your child may go back to your normal activities like daycare or school
- Be sure to wash your hands before touching your child's wound or dressing.
What follow-up care is needed?
- The doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your childs progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- If your child has stitches or staples, they will need to be taken out. The doctor will often want to do this in 1 to 2 weeks.
What problems could happen?
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Leaking of stomach contents
Where can I learn more?
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/digestive/pyloric_stenosis.html# ‚
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. ‚