Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is a pyloromyotomy?
- What are the benefits of this operation?
- Precautions & warnings
- What should be known before a baby has a piloromyotomy?
- Process
- How is the pyloromyotomy process?
- What should be done after the baby has had a pyloromyotomy?
- Complications
- What complications can occur?
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Definition
What is a pyloromyotomy?
Pyloric stenosis is a medical condition that affects the opening (pylorus) between the stomach and small intestine in babies. The pylorus is a muscle valve that holds food in the stomach for digestion until it is ready for distribution to the intestines for absorption. The pyloric muscles in babies with this disease will thicken, preventing food from entering the small intestine. Pyloric stenosis can cause vomiting, dehydration and weight loss. The baby may always appear hungry.Piloromyotomy is an operation used to treat pyloric stenosis. In general, this operation is very effective and has a small level of risk.
What are the benefits of this operation?
Digestion of the baby will return to normal within 48 hours after surgery.
Precautions & warnings
What should be known before a baby has a piloromyotomy?
Surgery is often scheduled on the same day as diagnosis. Babies who are dehydrated or have electrolyte imbalances will be treated first with intravenous administration before surgery. Surgery is the most reliable solution for treating pyloric stenosis.
Process
How is the pyloromyotomy process?
Before the operation, the surgeon will stabilize the baby's body fluids using an IV. This operation is performed under general anesthesia and usually takes about an hour. The surgeon makes a small incision in the upper abdomen, then cuts the pyloric muscle to widen the tube into the intestine.
What should be done after the baby has had a pyloromyotomy?
The doctor will tell you when the mother can start feeding the baby. Usually, babies only need three to four days before they are finally allowed to go home. Babies can return to breastfeeding normally so that they can gain weight. Most babies show good progress after surgery. However, pyloric stenosis can come back.
Complications
What complications can occur?
The risk of complications is very small, although the possibility of bleeding and infection is still there. Pyloromyotomy does not increase the risk of stomach or intestinal problems later in life. However, there are certain postoperative complications, namely:
vomiting after surgery
a hole in the lining of the stomach
damage to the surgical wound
a herniated scar appears
Most babies are allowed to return home within 48 hours. Surgery recovery takes about a week. If the desire to breastfeed your baby becomes higher after surgery, don't worry because this is normal.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
