Pyloric stenosis, an obstruction at the pyloric sphincter caused by a hypertrophy of the circular muscle, occurs soon after birth in baby. The stenosis usually develops in the first few weeks of life, causing projectile vomiting, dehydration, metabolic alkalosis and failure to thrive.
The increase in the size of the circular muscle of the pylorus results in a narrowing of its channel, with partial and then almost complete obstruction prevent the flow of food from stomach to small intestine.
Causes
The cause is unknown. Pyloric stenosis is a common surgical condition of the gastrointestinal tract, occurring in about 1 in 150 male infants and 1 in 750 female infants. It seems to occur more frequently in first-born males, and in some families more than in others.
Sign and symptoms
- Vomiting that progresses from mild regurgitation to forceful and projectile vomiting; it usually occurs after a feeding.
- Vomitus contains gastric contents such as milk or formula, may contain mucus, may be blood-tinged, and does not usually contain bile.
- The child exhibits hunger and irritability.
- Peristaltic waves are visible from left to right across the epigastrium during or immediately after a feeding.
- An olive-shaped mass is in the epigastrium just right of the umbilicus.
- Dehydration and malnutrition can occur.
- Electrolyte imbalances can occur.
- Metabolic alkalosis can occur.
Diagnosis
X-ray and Ultrasound sonography of abdomen are used to diagnosed the pyloric stenosis, or with the basis of the clinical findings.
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