Pyloromyotomy for Pyloric Stenosis
Pyloromyotomy is a surgical procedure used to treat infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, a condition in which the pyloric muscle becomes abnormally thick and restricts the movement of milk or food from the stomach into the small intestine. It commonly affects young infants and may cause persistent or projectile vomiting, dehydration, poor feeding and inadequate weight gain.
How Is Pyloromyotomy Performed?
After diagnosis, the baby's hydration and electrolyte levels are corrected before surgery. During pyloric stenosis surgery, the pediatric surgeon carefully divides the thickened pyloric muscle while preserving the stomach lining, allowing the gastric outlet to open and food to pass normally. The procedure may be performed using laparoscopic pyloromyotomy through small incisions or, when appropriate, through an open surgical approach.
Recovery After Pyloromyotomy
Following surgery, the baby is closely monitored and feeding is gradually restarted according to the surgical team's instructions. Some vomiting or feeding difficulty may occur temporarily while the digestive system settles. Follow-up care focuses on feeding, hydration, wound healing, weight gain and overall recovery.