Pyloric stenosis is a thickening of the muscle at the lower end of the stomach. This results in narrowing of the pyloric channel at the outlet of the stomach. Typical age of this disease is 2 weeks to 3 months. Because the stomach does not empty well the child vomits and loses weight. Typically the vomiting is the color of the formula or breast milk and the child vomits shortly after eating. The vomiting may shoot out a long way(projectile vomiting) and tends to get worse over several days.

Indications: The indication for pyloromyotomy is pyloric stenosis (pyloromyotomy is the only effective and efficient treatment).

Description: After general anesthesia is administered a small incision is made in the abdomen The surgeon makes a cut into the pyloric muscle (stomach outlet) thus releasing the blockage. No tissue is removed and the stomach lining is not opened. The pyloric muscle returns to normal size with time.

Expectations after surgery: Children usually recover quickly and start eating the same day as the operation. There are no long-term disadvantages to surgery, though 10-15% of patients who have pyloric stenosis will develop gastroesophageal reflux at a later time.

Convalescence: One to two days of hospitalization may be all that is required. Feedings by mouth are started shortly after the operation. The stomach requires this short time to regain its ability to contract and to empty. Most infants can advance from clear liquids to normal amounts of formula or breast feedings within 24 hours after the operation. Vomiting of one or two feedings in the first 24 hours after the operation is not uncommon. A small incision in your child's right upper abdomen will be covered by paper tapes. A firm ridge may appear at the incision site, which is no cause for concern. Avoid bathing for at least 3 days after the operation. Sponge bathing is permitted.