Pyloroplasty

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Pyloroplasty is surgery to widen the opening of the end of the pylorus, which is found in the lower portion of the stomach, so that stomach contents can empty into the duodenum (small intestine).

See: Pyloric stenosis

Pyloromyotomy; Pyloric stenosis repair

The surgery is done while the patient is under general anesthesia (unconscious and pain-free). The surgeon makes a cut around the belly button or in the right upper part of the belly. If the surgery is done laparoscopically, three smaller cuts are used. The end of the pylorus is repaired, so that muscles in the area can relax and the stomach can empty its contents.

Pyloroplasty is the only effective treatment for pyloric stenosis. It may also be used to treat certain patients with peptic ulcers or other types of gastric disease.

Review Date: 10/16/2006
Reviewed By: J.A. Lee, M.D., Assistant Professor of Surgery, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.