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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staff
Pyloric stenosis is an uncommon condition in newborns and infants that affects the muscles of the pylorus, which is at the lower end of the stomach. The muscles of the pylorus (pyloric sphincter) connect the stomach and small intestine.
In pyloric stenosis, the pyloric sphincter becomes abnormally large. The enlarged muscles block food from entering the baby's small intestine. Pyloric stenosis can lead to forceful vomiting, dehydration and weight loss. Babies with this condition may seem to always be hungry.
Prompt treatment of pyloric stenosis is important for preventing complications. Pyloric stenosis can be corrected with surgery.
- Olive AP, et al. Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 23, 2010.
- Sondheimer JM, et al. Gastrointestinal tract. In: Hay WW Jr., et al. Current Diagnosis & Treatment: Pediatrics. 19th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill; 2007. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=3403837. Accessed June 23, 2010.
- D'Agostino J. Common abdominal emergencies in children. Emergency Medicine Clinics of North America. 2002;20:139.
- Guidelines for surgical treatment of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. Los Angeles, Ca.: International Pediatric Endosurgery Group. http://www.ipeg.org/education/guidelines/pyloric.html. Accessed July 7, 2010.
- Pyloric stenosis. The American Pediatric Surgical Association. http://www.eapsa.org//Surgeons/Content/NavigationMenu/Media/Resources/Pyloric_Stenosis.htm. Accessed July 7, 2010.
- Hoecker J (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. July 8, 2010.
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