Pyloric stenosis is a narrowing of the pylorus — the opening between the stomach and the small intestine. It occurs when the muscle surrounding this opening is abnormally thick. This prevents the normal movement of stomach contents into the small intestine, causing severe vomiting. Symptoms usually occur in infants 2 to 8 weeks old, but it can be diagnosed at any time from birth to around 6 months of age.
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What are the signs and symptoms of pyloric stenosis?
The most common symptom of pyloric stenosis is persistent vomiting that becomes worse over time. Vomiting can be projectile and usually occurs after feeding.
Other symptoms of pyloric stenosis include:
- Dehydration
- Weight loss
- Constant hunger
- Tiredness
- Fewer bowel movements
What causes pyloric stenosis?
It is not clear what causes pyloric stenosis, but both environmental and genetic factors seem to be involved. Pyloric stenosis can run in families and is more common in boys than girls.
How is pyloric stenosis treated?
Pyloric stenosis is treated with surgery. In this operation (pyloromyotomy), the surgeon cuts through the thickened muscle fibers to widen the pylorus. At Connecticut Children’s our surgeons are skilled in using minimally invasive (laparoscopic) techniques to perform surgery on infants with pyloric stenosis.