Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis (HPS)

Question 1

What is hypertrophic pyloric stenosis?

Answer 1

HPS is when the muscle of the pyloric sphincter becomes thickened, narrowing the passageway from the stomach to the duodenum (first section of the small intestine).

Pyloric sphincter narrowing = ‘stomach becomes hypertrophy, hyperperistalsis’

Question 2

Would you be more likely to see an infant with HPS or a teenage?

Answer 2

An infant- HPS occurs within the first few weeks of life

*male babies are 5x more likely to develop HPS than female babies
*there is a genetic component to HPS
*full term infants are more likely to develop HPS than premature infant (interesting, usually the other way around)

Question 3

s/s of HPS…

Answer 3

-overtime, increased inflammation can lead to obstruction = projective nonbilious vomiting = metabolic alkalosis
-olive-like mass palpable in the upper abdomen
-hunger and irritability

Question 4

What is the surgical procedure done to repair HPS?

Answer 4

a pyloromyotomy: surgical incision through the muscle fibers of the pylorus sphincter to widen passageway