Pyloromyotomy
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2024.
Pyloromyotomy is surgery to widen your baby's pylorus. The pylorus is the opening between your baby's stomach and intestine. He or she may have trouble eating if the opening is too narrow (a condition called stenosis).
WHILE YOU ARE HERE:
Before your baby's surgery:
- Informed consent is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that your child may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your child's medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done to your child. Make sure all of your questions are answered.
- An IV is a small tube placed in your baby's vein that is used to give medicine or liquids.
- General anesthesia will keep your baby asleep and free from pain during surgery. Anesthesia may be given through your baby's IV. He or she may instead breathe it in through a mask or a tube placed down his or her throat. The tube may cause your baby to have a sore throat when he or she wakes up.
During your baby's surgery:
Your baby's surgeon will make small incisions in your baby's abdomen. He or she may make an incision in your baby's belly button. The surgeon will cut the thick, tight pylorus muscle and spread it apart so food can pass through. He or she will close the incision with stitches or medical tape.
After your baby's surgery:
Your baby will be taken to a room to rest until he or she is fully awake. Healthcare providers will monitor your baby closely for any problems. He or she will then be able to go home or be taken to his or her hospital room.
- Intake and output may be measured. Healthcare providers will keep track of the amount of liquid your baby is getting. They also may need to know how much your baby is urinating. Ask healthcare providers if they need to measure or collect your baby's diapers.
- Your baby's weight will be checked each day.
- Breast milk, formula, or other liquid will be given to your baby slowly. He or she may be given sugar water or water with electrolytes first. Then he or she will get diluted breast milk or formula. If your baby's stomach does not become upset, he or she may then be able to start feeding normally.
- A nasogastric (NG) tube may still be in place after surgery for the first 2 or 3 feedings. This is so healthcare providers can see if there is formula or breast milk left in the stomach after your baby feeds. Once your baby is feeding well, the NG tube will be removed.
- Your baby may vomit a few times for the first 2 or 3 days after surgery. This may be caused by swelling around the surgery area and should get better.
- Medicines may be given to manage your baby's pain or to prevent an infection caused by bacteria.
RISKS:
Your baby may bleed more than expected or get an infection. Your baby could develop pneumonia. His or her stomach, intestines, or other nearby organs may be damaged. The pylorus muscle could grow thick again and block your baby's intestines. Your baby may need surgery again.
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your child's care. Learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your child's healthcare providers to decide what care you want for your child.© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
