Diagnosis
The following procedure will assist the healthcare provider to properly diagnose pyloric stenosis.
- Physical examination: The healthcare provider will start by doing a physical examination on the infant and will ask about the eating habits of the infant. During an examination of the baby’s abdomen, the healthcare provider may detect a distinct lump that resembles an olive in shape. This lump corresponds to the enlarged muscles of the pylorus. Examining the baby’s tummy may occasionally reveal wavelike contractions, frequently before to the infant beginning to vomit.
- Blood test: Blood tests to check for electrolyte imbalance from vomiting, dehydration, or both.
- Imaging test: Ultrasound, which may be used to see the pylorus and confirm the presence of pyloric stenosis. X–rays of the newborn child’s digestive system if the ultrasound results are unclear.
Treatment
Surgery is needed to treat pyloric stenosis.
- Pyloromyotomy: Frequently, the diagnosis and the procedure are arranged for the same day. Before surgery, the newborn receives fluids (fluid replacement) if they have electrolyte imbalance or dehydration. In order to ensure that the baby’s hydration is improving at this period, a blood test may be required.
In a pyloromyotomy, the surgeon just removes the outer layer of the pylorus muscle that has thickened, enabling the inner lining to protrude. Food can now enter the small intestine through this opened passageway.
Pyloromyotomy procedures frequently include minimally invasive techniques. Through a tiny cut near the baby’s navel, a laparoscope, a thin viewing device, is introduced. Laparoscopic surgery typically results in a shorter recovery than open surgery. The scar left by this process is also smaller.
Even after pyloric stenosis surgery, infants might still throw up. They may not be experiencing the disease once more. Vomiting may result from surgery–related anesthesia, inadequate burping after meals, or eating too much food too rapidly. More testing could be required if the infant keeps throwing up often. To address any issues with vomiting, their medical team will keep working.
Having surgery for pyloric stenosis may result in bleeding or an infection. Surgery outcomes are often excellent, and complications are uncommon.