Pyloromyotomy
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
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).
HOW TO PREPARE:
The week before your baby's surgery:
- Tell your baby's surgeon about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements your baby currently takes. The surgeon will tell you if your baby needs to stop taking any of these before surgery, and when to stop.
- Tell the surgeon about all your baby's allergies. Tell him or her if your baby has ever had an allergic reaction to anesthesia.
- Your baby may need an ultrasound or x-rays before surgery. Talk to the surgeon about these or other tests your baby may need. Write down the date, time, and location for each test.
The night before your baby's surgery:
You may be told not to give your baby anything to eat or drink after midnight on the day of surgery.
The day of your baby's surgery:
- Give your baby only the medicines his or her surgeon told you to give.
- You or a close family member will be asked to sign a legal document called a consent form. It gives healthcare providers permission to do the procedure or surgery on your child. It also explains the problems that may happen, and your choices. Make sure all your questions are answered before you sign this form.
- Healthcare providers may put an IV tube into your baby's vein. He or she may be given liquids and medicine through the IV.
- An anesthesiologist will talk to you before the surgery. Your baby may need medicine to keep him or her asleep or numb an area of his or her body during surgery. Tell healthcare providers if anyone in your family has had a problem with anesthesia in the past.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN:
What will happen:
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. Once your baby's healthcare provider says it is okay, your baby will be able to go home or be taken to his or her hospital room. Your baby may have a tube in his or her nose that goes down to the stomach. This may stay in place for the first 2 or 3 feedings. Your baby may vomit during the first 2 or 3 days after surgery.
CONTACT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IF:
- Your baby has a fever.
- Your baby has a cold or the flu.
- You have questions or concerns about your baby's surgery.
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
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Further information
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