Pyloric stenosis

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Digestive system

Pyloric stenosis

Pyloric stenosis - series

Congenital hypertrophic pyloric stenosis; Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis; Gastric outlet obstruction

Symptoms generally appear several weeks after birth:

• Vomiting
  • Usually mild at first
  • Becomes more forceful within 30 minutes of feeding
  • Projectile vomiting
• Infant appears constantly hungry
• Diarrhea (loose green stools)
• Wave-like motion of the abdomen shortly after feeding and just before vomiting occurs
• Dehydration (becoming more profound with the severity of the vomiting)
• Failure to gain weight or weight loss
• Abdominal fullness prematurely after meals
• Belching
• Abdominal pain

Physical examination may show signs of dehydration . The infant may have a distended abdomen . Palpation of the abdomen may reveal the abnormal pylorus, which feels like an olive-shaped mass.

• Chemistry panel often reveals electrolyte imbalances .
• Ultrasound of abdomen may be the first imaging test performed.
• Barium x-ray reveals a distended stomach and narrowed pylorus.

Review Date: 08/18/2006
Reviewed By: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.