Pyloric Stenosis Flashcards
What is pyloric stenosis?
Hypertrophy (thickening) and narrowing of the pylorus
What is the pyloric sphincter?
A ring of smooth muscle the forms the canal between the stomach and the duodenum
What does pyloric stenosis prevent?
Food traveling from the stomach to the duodenum as normal
What is a key feature of pyloric stenosis?
Projectile vomiting 30 minutes after feeding
What causes the projectile vomiting in pyloric stenosis?
The increasingly powerful peristalsis in the stomach as it tries to push food into the duodenum.
When does pyloric stenosis typically present?
In the first few weeks of life
How does a baby with pyloric stenosis present?
Hungry
Thin
Tired
Failing to thrive
What can be felt on a baby with pyloric stenosis?
A palpable mass in the upper abdomen
May feel like a large olive
What metabolic disturbances might be present due to the vomiting?
Hypochloraemic and hypokalaemic alkalosis
What is the mass in the upper abdomen due to?
Hypertrophy of the pylorus
How is pyloric stenosis diagnosed?
Ultrasound
What might be seen on an ultrasound scan of a child with pyloric stenosis?
Thickened pylorus
What is the management of pyloric stenosis?
Ramstedt operation
What is Ramstedt operation?
laparoscopic pyloromyotomy
